The launch of TP Mining Experience brought together representatives from Anglo American, the University of Chile, the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, ChileValora, Compromiso Minero and other leading organisations at the British Embassy to strengthen employability, leadership and collaboration between higher education and the mining industry.

Santiago, 5 August 2026. With the aim of preparing new generations for the challenges of the mining industry of the future, the Chilean-British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham Chile), through its Education Committee, hosted the launch of TP Mining Experience, an initiative developed by REDEG Consulting & Training together with a broad network of public institutions, universities and industry organisations. The programme seeks to strengthen employability, leadership and the technical and human competencies of students preparing to enter the mining sector.

Held at the British Embassy offices in Santiago, the event brought together representatives from Anglo American, the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) of the University of Chile, ChileValora, Compromiso Minero, the Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMCh), the Network of Women Mining Engineers (RIM), Universidad Andrés Bello, the Mining Students’ Centre (CEM) and BritCham Chile’s Education Committee. Participants agreed that the future of mining will depend not only on technical excellence but also on leadership, adaptability, collaboration and lifelong learning.

Opening the event, Lilian Denham, Executive Director of REDEG Consulting & Training, presented the objectives of TP Mining Experience, a programme designed to create an effective network linking students, universities and industry to reduce the gap between academic education and the real needs of the mining sector. The initiative includes regular workshops, mentoring, networking, competency certification and a practical programme in which participants develop mining projects from concept through to technical evaluation.

The keynote address was delivered by Carmen Duarte, Culture and Change Lead at Anglo American, who highlighted that the mining industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by the energy transition, digitalisation, automation and generational renewal.

“The mining industry of the future is being built today with copper, technology and diversity. However, it will be led by people capable of inspiring and mobilising others through change. The challenge is to develop leaders with strong technical expertise who are able to adapt, collaborate and take responsibility, recognising that change begins with themselves.”

Duarte explained that the industry is expected to require more than 34,000 new workers by 2032, driven by new mining projects, capacity expansions and the replacement of an ageing workforce, making the development of young talent a strategic priority for Chile. She also noted that Chile currently leads the world in female participation in mining and that future professionals will need to thrive in highly technological and collaborative environments.

One of the central themes of the panel discussion was the close relationship between higher education and innovation.

Gabriela Novoa, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Diversity and Gender Equity at the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) of the University of Chile, emphasised the importance of connecting applied research with industry needs.

“We have seen that when students participate directly in real applied research projects alongside industry, new opportunities emerge for both innovation and employment. Scientific talent must also become an integral part of mining.”

Representing BritCham Chile, Claudia Parra, Chair of the Education Committee and Director of the English Language Programme at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, stressed that English has evolved from being an additional skill into an essential professional competency.

“English enhances every aspect of professional development. Mining operates within global networks, relies on internationally developed technologies and requires professionals who can communicate accurately and participate confidently in international projects. Language opens doors to economic development.”

For his part, Javier Barranco, representing the Mining Students’ Centre (CEM), argued that preparing future professionals must extend well beyond technical knowledge.

“We want students to understand why we mine, who we mine for and the principles that should guide the industry. That broader understanding of mining forms part of the leadership the sector now requires.”

The importance of recognising competencies acquired both inside and outside formal education was addressed by Ximena Rivillo, Executive Director of ChileValora, who explained that Chile must continue moving towards a lifelong learning model.

“The worlds of education and employment need to work much more closely together. Recognising labour competencies improves employability, strengthens productivity and enables continuous learning pathways throughout people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, Christel Lindhorst, Executive Director of Compromiso Minero and Communications Manager at the Mining Council, highlighted the importance of bringing the mining industry closer to younger generations through more effective communication.

“If we fail to communicate what modern mining is achieving today, it will be difficult for young people to see it as an attractive career path. Mining offers tremendous opportunities for those who want to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development.”

Constanza Espinosa, General Manager of the Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMCh), stressed that talent development does not end with obtaining a university degree but requires continuous professional development to keep pace with an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

“Today’s mining industry demands professionals who can learn continuously and respond quickly to scientific, technological and management developments. Strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and technical organisations is essential to accelerating this process and maintaining the sector’s competitiveness.”

For her part, Nathalie Rimmerlin, President of the Network of Women Mining Engineers (RIM), argued that the future of mining depends on building more diverse, collaborative and inclusive working environments from the earliest stages of professional education.

“Diversity cannot begin only when professionals enter the workplace. It must be fostered throughout higher education by creating networks, role models and opportunities that enable the development of diverse leadership capable of responding to the technological and social challenges facing the mining industry.”

Finally, Dr Karen J. Correa, Director of the School of Earth Sciences and Head of the Geology Programme at Universidad Andrés Bello, highlighted the need for universities to integrate scientific knowledge with personal and behavioural competencies.

“Technical competencies remain essential, but today’s industry is also looking for professionals who understand themselves, take responsibility, work collaboratively and adapt to complex environments. That leadership begins to develop during university education.”

The event concluded with the symbolic signing of the “Connect and Employ: More and Better Opportunities for Chile” manifesto, promoting a collaborative employability and workforce integration model based on cooperation between industry, higher education institutions, public organisations and specialised partners. The initiative aims to establish a strong network capable of preparing the next generation of professionals who will lead the transformation of Chilean mining.