Seminar organized by Madeco By Nexans:

Mining and electricity sector discuss the role of copper mining as protagonist of energy transformation in Chile, and the world

Santiago, May 12, 2022.- The Minister of Mining, Marcela Hernando, and the General Manager of Madeco By Nexans, Camilo Elton, attended the seminar "Copper, protagonist of the energy transition."

Prominent personalities from the mining and energy world were also present. There were presentations from María Teresa González, General Manager of the Norwegian Statkraft and President of the Generators Association of Chile; Alejandra Wood, Executive Director of the Center for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO); Alejandra Vial, Environment Manager of Antofagasta Minerals; and Renato Fernández, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability of Codelco.

The current and future demand for copper, the challenge from the energy sector, and the action plans from public and private mining were some of the most relevant topics dicussed at the meeting.

The Minister of Mining, Marcela Hernando, explained the role of the State in this matter by stating that "the Presidential Program emphasizes three cross-cutting axes to achieve sustainable mining for Chile."

First, "through institutionality and governance, we will seek to strengthen the capacity for advocacy, studies, and developing public policies, in tune with current challenges". The second axis refers to public mining policies "where special emphasis will be placed on supporting small-scale and artisanal mining", thereby strengthening Enami. The third point concerns regulatory matters. “In accordance with our role as co-legislators, our actions will revolve around some laws already passed and others in the pipeline,” said the minister.

The General Manager of Statkraft and President of the Generadoras de Chile guild, María Teresa González, gave an overview of the world panorama in terms of energy. "We believe that the demand for electricity will increase by 100%, and that by 2050, almost 100% of cars will be electric," he said. Gonzalez emphasized that it is important that the alliance between mining and clean energy is virtuous, because "if both sectors work together, we can make Chile a world leader in the energy transition."

Alejandra Wood, CEO of CESCO, addressed the current context of copper production, and its current and future demand. “In terms of figures, it is projected that by the end of this decade, copper demand will increase to approximately 4.5 million tons,” she explained. She added that this means that in the next 10 years, 25 times the production of copper that has historically been produced so far will be required.

For Alejandra Vial, Environment Manager of Antofagasta Minerals, the purpose of developing mining for the future is anchored in two points: “We have the task of leading the world into a decarbonization process, but we also have the challenge of producing copper through modern, responsible, and sustainable mining.”

Finally, Renato Fernández, from Codelco, referred to the challenges of mining to make copper production sustainable. As such, he presented the Codelco projects that have been viable. "It is nothing new that copper is actually part of the solution to combat climate change, so the great challenge for the industry is to produce cathode in an increasingly responsible, sustainable, and green way."

To that end, Codelco has decided to reduce its carbon footprint. "Of our whole footprint, 60% comes from the energy that generators provide us. The great challenge is, by 2030, to make that energy 100% renewable," he said.

Indeed, "copper cathode is part of the solution, but we have to take care of how we make that cathode meet the standards that the world is demanding of us today."

Finally, all experts agreed that we are facing a tremendous opportunity as a country, which requires both public and private sector action to combat the climate crisis and its devastating effects.

About Nexans

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. The Group, with around 25,000 people in 42 countries, is leading the charge toward a world of safe, sustainable, renewable, decarbonized and accessible electricity for everyone. In 2021, Nexans generated 6.1 billion euros in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Building & Territories, High Voltage & Projects, Industry & Solutions and Telecom & Data. Nexans is the first company of its industry to create a foundation supporting sustainable initiatives bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group pledged to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2030.

Nexans. Electrify the future.

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Communication

Luciana Ormeño
luciana.ormeno@nexans.com