Within the framework of the Calama Plan and the actions promoted by Codelco to contribute to the Atmospheric Decontamination Plan of the city, the Chilean state-owned company called on the companies located in the Puerto Seco sector to join a collaborative effort aimed at reducing particulate matter emissions.
The meeting, led by the Sustainability Manager of Codelco’s Northern Operations, Fernando Promis, brought together representatives from 11 entities in the industrial neighborhood, who learned about the work that Codelco has been developing in emission control through measures such as street sweeping and vacuuming, the stabilization of unpaved roads, and the application of bischofite-type dust suppressants at different points in Calama.
“The purpose of this meeting is to be able to talk, to invite the companies that are in the Puerto Seco area of Calama, to share with them a little of the work and experience that Codelco is developing regarding the control of particulate matter emissions in the city,” explained Fernando Promis.
“We have a huge deployment in the city of Calama, but we see that an additional effort is needed in the Puerto Seco area. That was the call we wanted to make to the industrial associations and companies: how to do collaborative work to increase the surface area of stabilized unpaved streets in that sector,” he added.
During the meeting, the attendees generally valued the initiative positively and expressed their willingness to contribute to this environmental challenge that seeks to improve air quality and the living conditions of the Calama community.
“In the best way possible. We are one hundred percent available to collaborate and work for the community as good neighbors,” said Fernando Millar, representative of Derk Ingeniería.
For her part, Ides Villegas, owner of the company Ivise E.I.R.L., emphasized that “Calama needs the support of all officials, both from the government and from Codelco. I think this initiative is fair and very good.”
The meeting constitutes the first step of this public-private coordination around the management of suspended dust, especially in areas with high heavy vehicle traffic.
“Codelco will continue to call on new companies and institutions to strengthen this joint work, which is part of its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable Calama with a better quality of life for its inhabitants,” the state-owned company communicated.
