**CMP establishes public-private partnership to enhance safety on Route D-165 and improve connectivity to El Romeral**

The agreement with the Regional Directorate of Highways of Chile’s Ministry of Public Works will enable the implementation of key infrastructure improvements along the main access road to Minas El Romeral, directly benefiting local communities and all users of the route.

Elqui Valley, Chile – An important milestone in improving the quality of life for the communities of El Romeral, Chacay Bajo, and Chacay Alto was achieved through the signing of an agreement between Compañía Minera del Pacífico (CMP) and the Regional Directorate of Highways of the Ministry of Public Works. This public-private partnership will complement the paving of Route D-165 with high-standard road safety infrastructure, establishing it as a project of significant value for the territory.

Under the agreement, the Regional Directorate of Highways will continue paving the 10.68-kilometer section of Route D-165, a project currently under construction. CMP, in turn, will provide funding for the maintenance of the road during the first three years after it opens to traffic, as well as for the installation of road signage, safety barriers, pavement markings, pedestrian shelters, and bus stops, contributing to safer travel for all road users.

This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort launched in 2023 through a technical and community working group comprising the company, local authorities, and community leaders. The group played a key role in advancing the modernization of the route and strengthening the area’s strategic connectivity.

CMP Operations Manager Juan Soto highlighted the significance of the project:

“This project demonstrates the value of collaboration when all parties share a common goal. At CMP, we seek to contribute to initiatives that improve people’s quality of life and promote the sustainable development of the territories where we operate. That is why we have undertaken this commitment, which will benefit not only our employees but, most importantly, the communities that rely on this road every day.”

For local community leaders, the signing of the agreement represents the realization of a long-standing aspiration. It is the result of constructive dialogue among all stakeholders and paves the way for a permanent solution that residents have awaited for many years.

“This is a major step forward for our community. It brings us both joy and peace of mind to have a safer road that provides better access to the city. These improvements will reduce commuting times, make it easier for children to reach their schools, and allow ambulances and emergency services to respond more quickly when needed. CMP has been a great neighbor, supporting the development of the Romeral Valley for many years. The company has consistently promoted initiatives that have brought meaningful progress to our community and helped us build a better future for everyone,”* said Tania Beiza, President of the Los Porotitos 15-R Neighborhood Association.

Cristian Smitmans, Regional Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works for the Coquimbo Region, added:

“When I took office, I met with residents of El Romeral and El Chacay, and one of their greatest aspirations was to have a safer and better road. This agreement allows us not only to continue the improvements being carried out by the Directorate of Highways, but also to strengthen road safety along this route. This public-private partnership makes it possible to deliver better roads that provide greater safety for the community as well as for CMP employees who travel this route to access the mine.”

Through this agreement, CMP reaffirms its commitment to creating shared value by supporting infrastructure projects that enhance safety, connectivity, and quality of life for the communities surrounding El Romeral, near La Serena. The initiative reflects the company’s purpose of advancing a different kind of mining that contributes to the sustainable development of the territory and its people.