In a landmark step towards international collaboration in the mining sector, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) welcomed a high-level delegation from CODELCO (Corporación Nacional del Cobre), Chile’s State-owned copper mining giant, at its headquarters in New Delhi earlier today. This visit marks a significant milestone in India’s mining diplomacy, being the first-ever mission of its kind involving an in-depth, on-ground technical engagement between Indian and Chilean mining experts.
A First-of-Its-Kind Technical Visit to India
The CODELCO delegation, comprising top-tier mining experts, is set to undertake a three-week-long visit across all HCL units and offices throughout India. Their mission is to closely assess HCL’s mining operations, including exploration, metallurgical processes, geotechnical practices, innovation, and tailings management. This immersive engagement is expected to yield valuable insights and foster a two-way exchange of knowledge, ideas, and operational excellence.
The visiting delegation includes:
- Angelo Giovanni Giuseppe Aguilar Catalano – Specialist in Geology & Exploration
- Jose Ramon Abatte Perez – Expert in Innovation & Technology
- Carlos Abelardo Vilches Donoso – Authority in Tailing Management
- Jorge Luis Espindola Landa – Geotechnical Engineering Specialist
- Sergio Jonathan Pichott Heriquez – Professional in Geometallurgy
Each expert brings decades of experience and deep specialization in their respective domains, aligning with HCL’s vision to modernize and optimize its operational standards.
Rooted in a Historic MoU
This strategic visit is a direct outcome of the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between HCL and CODELCO on April 1, 2025, during the official visit of Chilean President Mr. Gabriel Boric Font to India. The MoU was signed in the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, symbolizing the growing strength of Indo-Chilean bilateral relations in the domain of natural resources and mining.
The agreement was formalized by Mr. Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of HCL, and Mr. Ruben Alvarado Vigar, CEO of CODELCO. The MoU underscores cooperation in the following key areas:
- Exchange of technical expertise and best practices
- Joint research in mining and mineral beneficiation
- Innovations in environmental and tailings management
- Capacity building and employee training
- Advanced exploration technologies and techniques
A Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Mining
HCL, India’s only vertically integrated copper-producing company, views this partnership as a game-changer in accelerating the country’s mining growth with sustainable and globally benchmarked practices. CODELCO, being one of the world’s largest copper producers with decades of experience in high-efficiency mining and environmental compliance, brings invaluable technical depth to this collaboration.
Through this initiative, HCL aims to leverage CODELCO’s vast experience to strengthen its exploration and production capabilities, enhance its safety and environmental standards, and build human capital in line with international best practices.
Looking Ahead
The delegation’s schedule includes visits to HCL’s key facilities such as:
- Khetri Copper Complex (Rajasthan)
- Malanjkhand Copper Project (Madhya Pradesh)
- Indian Copper Complex (Jharkhand)
- Regional offices and training centers
Workshops, site reviews, and joint strategy sessions are planned to enable hands-on collaboration. The visit is expected to culminate in a report of actionable insights and a roadmap for potential joint projects.
This initiative reflects the emerging global partnerships in the critical minerals sector and India’s commitment to developing a self-reliant and future-ready copper industry.
