[News] Pacheco sends message to Codelco workers after closing of Ventanas: "It has not been an easy decision"

[FNX Magokiler]

During the morning of this Monday, the president of the board of directors of Codelco, Máximo Pacheco, addressed the announcement made by the state company, to move towards the closure of the Ventanas Smelter, in the midst of the contamination episodes that have been registered in the bay of Quintero and Puchuncaví, affirming that "it has been a difficult decision". Through a letter sent to the workers, Pacheco defended the determination, but reiterated that "none of the 348 people in the foundry will be without a job." "Codelco workers, we are at a crucial moment in our history. The decision of the majority of the board of directors to advance in the preparation for the cessation of the operation of the Ventanas smelter has been taken with immense responsibility, considering the best interest of the company, and complying with two express requests: to end the uncertainty that has accompanied those who operate in this process for years and to ensure dialogue with the division's union leaders," he began by pointing out in the statement. Adding that "this has not been an easy decision. We know that the workers of the foundry have given their best so that the environmental improvements of recent years serve the common good of protecting the surroundings of Puchuncaví and Quintero, and , especially the health of its inhabitants. We are certain that they have put their hearts into this, because each one of them and their families are part of the community that suffers the consequences of being immersed in an industrial pole that pollutes and that was declared saturated zone almost 30 years ago".

However, he acknowledged that "all the measures taken by the authorities, their compliance by the foundry and an investment of US$156 million in recent years have not been enough." "Three decades in which, despite continuous efforts, a definitive solution has not been achieved to end the sorrow of the 52,000 people who live in the area that many call a sacrifice zone," he added. In this context, he asked: "Does the main company in Chile and its workers deserve to be pointed at every time there is an environmental emergency? Does the community of Quintero and its surroundings deserve to be part of a 'sacrifice zone'?" Do Chileans deserve that the number one copper producer in the world give up its duty to be a leader in green mining? "According to the authority's estimates, today the smelter produces 62% of SO2 in the area," he added, emphasizing that "it is true that many of the environmental crises are not the responsibility of the Ventanas smelter and that they are caused by other pollutants. It is true that in recent weeks there have been episodes that have left almost 500 people intoxicated, despite the fact that our plant was stopped", however, he lamented that "every time these unfortunate incidents occur, a blanket of doubts is woven about the foundry, Codelco and its operational standards". However, on the other hand, Pacheco also addressed the possibility that has been installed that an investment of US$54 million would make it possible to end the problem, without having to close the foundry: "Unfortunately, it is not like that. Financing these works only It would serve to reduce emissions and improve their dispersion, but we would continue to be exposed to new peaks of polluting gases.

 

 

This investment does not guarantee ending our contribution to the environmental crisis in this hard-hit area. In addition, it is expected that the respective environmental regulations will continue to be, in the future, larger and more restrictive". In this regard, he reiterated that "this decision is and will be very difficult; for the workers of the Ventanas foundry it implies a change in their way of life, but it is necessary and cannot be postponed and we will develop it hand in hand with each one of them and your families". "I want to reiterate that the decision of the board of directors contemplates that none of the 348 people in the foundry will be left without a job. They will continue to be part of one of our other divisions if they so wish and, if anyone prefers to apply for a special voluntary retirement plan, they will have that option available," he said.

Likewise, he addressed the situation of contractor workers, clarifying that "dismantling a foundry with the characteristics of Ventanas will take several years and will require a lot of labor. For this reason, new job opportunities will also open up for contractors. We will take measures with different institutions of the State and organizations to generate a plan that offers a horizon of employability for all". Adding that "we will not disregard Enami's small and medium-sized companies. We will take charge of continuing to treat said concentrates. And for this we need Law 19,993 to be modified." Finally, Pachecho assured that "we will be staunch defenders of a policy to strengthen our refineries and other smelters, classified as strategic by Codelco in its new business plan. Additionally, we believe that Chile needs to build a new smelter with the best environmental standards and the most modern existing technologies, to enhance its commercial, human and technological leadership, and the country's competitiveness. We will do everything on our part to contribute and make viable the project of a new modern and sustainable foundry that responds to this national interest". "The work ahead is enormous, but I am convinced that it responds to the need to ensure a better future, especially for the communities, of which the Ventanas workers and their families are a part. We propose a just transition towards ways of operating that generate well-being for all, and in which the least favored are not the ones who have to pay the costs of development. We will walk this path together and find the best solution for the people of the smelter, the bay of Quintero- Puchuncaví and all of Chile," he concluded.

 

https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2022/06/20/1064600/pacheco-defiende-cierre-ventanas-codelco.html