Could you provide an overview of Edyce and the company’s role in the mining industry?

Certainly. Edyce has been operating in Chile for over 70 years and has played a significant role in many of the major mining developments of the past few decades. In fact, the mining industry represents approximately 75% of our revenue. Our primary focus is on the fabrication of structural steel for mining and industrial buildings, and we have the largest production capacity in Chile and South America, producing up to 3,000 tons of structural steel per month. We also offer complementary services such as structural steel erection and modularization.

What are some of the main mining sites that Edyce is currently working on?

At present, we are involved in Teck Resources’ Quebrada Blanca phase 2 project, as well as Antofagasta Minerals’ INCO project at Minera Los Pelambres. Both of these projects have entered the construction phase over the past two years, and we continue to work with our clients to recover from delays caused by the pandemic. We’re optimistic about the economic outlook for 2021 and 2022, and we’re confident that all of the planned investment projects in the mining industry will proceed as expected. While Chile has faced some challenging times recently, the increase in the value of copper and government efforts to revive the economy have led us to believe that Edyce will be involved in all future mining projects.

What technological innovations or processes is Edyce incorporating into its operations?

As an industrial plant, we are always looking for ways to integrate the latest technology into our operations. It’s amazing how many innovations have emerged in recent years, particularly in response to the pandemic. One of the technologies we are currently integrating into our production process is IoT, which we will be using on every machine. This technology will measure our productivity using smart devices and provide 24/7 information on functionality and performance. We’re also exploring advances in robotic welding and plan to introduce a new automatic welding line in 2022. These innovations will enhance efficiency, productivity, quality, and the health and safety of our employees.

Additionally, we’ve found that these innovations have many field applications, including prefabrication, pre-assembly, modularization, and off-site construction. These advancements have the potential to significantly reduce project schedules, improve productivity, lower labor costs, and create better safety and environmental conditions. Our facilities in Talcahuano, which have direct access to ports, and our Modularization site at Antofagasta enable us to offer these strong value propositions to our mining and industrial clients.

How do you see the changes in the Chilean constitution impacting mining investment?

Chile is currently undergoing a significant political process: rewriting the constitution. This has led to increased awareness of the need to improve working environments, and companies’ roles in society are being scrutinized. Society is demanding that businesses operate in harmony with the environment and individuals’ livelihoods.

To address these requirements, many initiatives regarding productivity are being developed. I believe that the new constitution will strengthen the industry, and Edyce is well-positioned to adapt to these requirements. Chile’s journey is similar to the path already taken by other developed countries. While there are always voices of concern, especially when it comes to change, I’m optimistic about the way forward for Chile and how we’ll respond to this challenge.