CHALLENGES OF MINING PREPARATION IN CHUQUICAMATA UNDERGROUND *C.F. Mesina1, C.A. Córdova2, R.A. Quiroz3 ¹Production Management Superintendence, Mineral Resources and Development Department, Chuquicamata Division, Codelco, Chile, cmesi001@codelco.cl 2Production Management Superintendence, Mineral Resources and Development Department, Chuquicamata Division, Codelco, Chile, ccord004@codelco.cl 3Mineral Resources and Development Department, Chuquicamata Division, Codelco, Chile, rquir003@codelco.cl ABSTRACT The Chuquicamata Division, located in the Antofagasta Region, has been exploited for more than a century through open-pit mining, establishing itself as one of the main copper operations worldwide. However, the deepening of the pit has generated higher costs, an increase in waste material, and a decrease in the ore grades. In the face of these changes, the transition to underground mining is being promoted to extend the mine's useful life for more than 40 years, taking advantage of significant remaining reserves. This project presents technical and management challenges, highlighting the planning of mine preparation as a key element, since it involves the development of underground workings and necessary infrastructure to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the operation. Currently, Chuquicamata Underground is in production in the N1S1, N2N3, S2S3, and N41 macroblocks while the S4, N42, and Panel Central macroblocks are in construction stages, as can be seen in illustration 1. The S4 macroblock has horizontal developments and civil works completed, being in the stage of construction of ore pass, which is perceived as a great challenge since it is the first macroblock that will have this configuration of mineral ore pass through chute. The N42 macroblock has recently completed the construction of civil works (such as lean concrete base, pavement, draw point, containment walls, crossing fortification, and slot raise) and will soon enter the commissioning stage for delivery to production. Its construction has posed challenges from the perspective of construction methods and the need for special designs for civil works, in addition to being in development simultaneously with the incorporation of the adjacent N41 macroblock area. While Panel Central is carrying out civil works, the next construction phase is a major milestone as it will be the first recovery panel in the mine, which also involves considerations from a geomechanical point of view since it is built under a macroblock in production. The handover of the area of these three macroblocks are significant stages for meeting the productive commitments of Chuquicamata.
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