Collahuasi names Patricio Hidalgo as new executive president

The Chilean mining company Collahuasi will begin a new phase in its corporate management with the incorporation of Patricio Hidalgo as Executive President, a position he will assume starting July 1st. The executive will take the reins of one of the world's largest copper operations at a time marked by significant operational and growth challenges for the company.

The appointment ends a 14-year cycle led by Jorge Gómez, who headed the company during a key period for the development of its operations and its consolidation within the international mining industry.

Before assuming his new role, Hidalgo served as CEO of Anglo American Chile, accumulating extensive experience in managing mining operations and executing strategies related to the development of major projects in the sector.

From the company, they highlighted Jorge Gómez's track record and his contribution to Collahuasi's growth. Michael Farrely, chairman of the mining company's board, thanked the executive for his work for over a decade at the helm of the organization.

“He is widely recognized as one of the leading figures in the copper industry, and we sincerely thank him for his extraordinary contribution to Collahuasi. We wish him the greatest success in his future endeavors,” Farrely said.

Gómez's departure comes amid speculation linking him as one of the potential candidates to take over the executive presidency of Codelco, Chile's main state-owned company and one of the world's largest copper producers.

Along with Hidalgo's arrival, Collahuasi also announced changes in its management team. Carlos Arriagada will assume the company's financial leadership, replacing Trevor Dyer, who will be leaving his position at the mining company.

The executive handover occurs in a context relevant to the operation, after a Chilean environmental court recently annulled part of the permits associated with the Collahuasi expansion project, particularly those related to its desalination plant.

The growth initiative involves an investment of approximately US$3.2 billion and aims to extend the mine's operational life by roughly two additional decades, thereby solidifying its role within the Chilean copper industry.

In parallel, Anglo American reported that Tzveta Tchordbadjieva will assume the interim leadership of Anglo American Chile following Hidalgo's departure, while the company advances in the process of selecting her permanent replacement.

With these changes, Collahuasi is initiating a new phase of leadership focused on ensuring the continuity of its operations and facing the challenges associated with its long-term expansion plans.