Communities

On March 15, 1978, CMP’s Guacolda II Pellet Plant and Port was inaugurated in Huasco, becoming a key source of jobs and economic growth. Built by over 3,000 workers—mostly Chileans, along with Americans and Japanese—the plant was then the world’s second largest of its kind, featuring ingenious construction efforts.

CMP appointed three new managers to its executive committee, reaching gender parity as of March 1, 2023, with 50% female participation—up from 40%. This milestone makes CMP the first mining company to achieve such balance in executive roles. The move aligns with its sustainability strategy and the UN 2030 SDGs, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, community-connected mining in Atacama and Coquimbo.

The Christmas Train returned on December 21, bringing joy to over 950 participants—community members, CMP and Ferronor workers, and their families. The event featured six festive trips through Vallenar, Freirina, and Huasco in decorated carriages. Passengers enjoyed a Christmas play, carols, and scenic views, blending childhood excitement with nostalgic memories for adults.

To promote education as a development tool, CMP and Finning launched an Educational Robotics Workshop for 7th and 8th grade girls from Huasco and Elqui. The initiative aimed to boost STEM skills and encourage early interest in key industries, fostering gender-inclusive opportunities for future professional growth.

Since 2017, the Catholic University of the North in Coquimbo has run its free Social Pre-university program to help 4th-grade students and graduates prepare for the PAES. In 2023, a collaboration with CMP was signed to sponsor the initiative, benefiting 50 young people from Coquimbo and including motivational talks by company professionals.

On January 20, 2023, CMP, Aguas CAP, the Municipality of Caldera, and Desafío Levantemos Chile delivered food carts to 24 local entrepreneurs as part of “Caldera Impulsa III.” Over six months, participants received training in formalization, finances, social media, and business advice. In three years, the program has supported over 164 ventures, helping strengthen businesses for the summer season.

CMP awarded 69 new Jaime Charles scholarships to students from Copiapó, Huasco, and Elqui, promoting education in Atacama and Coquimbo. Since 2012, 200 high-performing students have benefited. The scholarship supports professional or technical studies in accredited institutions, is compatible with other aid, and covers the full study period up to age 24. It honors Jaime Charles, former Grupo CAP manager, for his commitment to education.

In April 2023, CMP and Caldera organizations signed a new agreement to strengthen the artisanal fishing sector, renewing a collaboration started in 2007. The initiative includes a US\$4.9 million investment over four years to boost the socio-productive value chain and promote shared growth through a long-term, sustainable partnership.

CMP joined the Mesa de la Mujer de la Pesca Artesanal de Atacama to promote gender equity and support women’s sustainable development. In collaboration with local and regional governments, two meetings have been held, including one in Caldera with over 50 participants. They shared experiences and formed five round tables on key topics: health, education, housing, security, and productive development, guiding future public support efforts.