Ventanas Smelter closure engineering: a milestone in Chile’s environmental history

The definitive closure of the Ventanas Smelter, operated by Codelco, marks not only the end of an industrial era but also the beginning of a new standard in environmental remediation and sustainable mining.

Location

Las Ventanas, Chile

Client

Codelco

Project Status

Completed

This smelter, operational since the 1960s in one of Chile’s most densely populated areas, played a key role in shaping the country’s copper industry for decades. Its closure now paves the way for a cleaner and more responsible future.

Codelco’s Vice Presidency of Projects commissioned WSP’s team to take on the challenge of developing the conceptual engineering for the closure, adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrated key areas such as mine closure, environmental remediation, mine waste management, community relations, and occupational health and safety. This is a highly complex project, both technically and in terms of managing societal impacts and media relations. It requires innovative solutions and a collaborative approach with the client and the local community.

Zero incidents

2,900 Hs

Women in strategic roles

35%

International coordination

4 offices

The project stands out for its focus on sustainability and safety, incorporating the highest national and international standards throughout its development. Key activities conducted on-site included facility inspections, soil and water sampling studies, and geophysical surveys. Thanks to rigorous risk management and close supervision by the HSEQ team, the project was successfully completed with zero incidents in over 2,900 hours of fieldwork, an achievement recognized and valued by the client.

Highlights

Environmental and Social Impact: First smelter closure project in Chile with a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
Project Management: All deliverables met, with final client recognition.
High-Level Coordination: Collaborative effort between WSP’s international offices in Chile, Peru, Italy, and France.
Commitment to Safety: Zero incidents in over 2,900 hours of fieldwork, following strict HSEC protocols.
Diversity in Leadership: 35% of the team comprised of women in strategic roles.

This project not only set a precedent for Chilean mining but also cemented WSP’s position as a leader in closure engineering and environmental remediation—a pivotal step toward cleaner, more sustainable, and more responsible mining practices.