Of note was the differentiated treatment of plastic, tin, paper, cardboard and glass, as well as their subsequent baling for sale.
In each edition, EXPONOR focuses on mentioning various aspects that are part of the topics that are important to the mining and energy industries, nationally and internationally. Along these lines, one of the areas addressed is sustainability, a concept incorporated into the growing optimisation of processes, through the application of disruptive technologies presented by the exhibiting companies. Complementing this strategy, there is another aspect, where the organisation is concerned about the importance of recycling and the circular economy, at the exhibition grounds.
It is in this scenario and, with the aim of using the waste left by the international exhibition, that the La Chimba Sustentable recyclers cooperative implemented a surplus management system for the collection, separation and final disposal of these at EXPONOR 2024. Plastic, PET 1, tin, paper, cardboard and glass, in addition to the analysis of the carbon footprint and the bioequivalence of each type of waste, was part of the work they carried out.
“For us it is very important to contribute to sustainability in the industry from the ground up, so, in addition to the actions we already carry out, for the first time we had the contribution of La Chimba Sustentable, to so be an example in this matter for mining fairs as well as for our exhibitors and visitors, which should be paramount for everyone. And on that same path, we continue with the challenge of a more sustainable industry at EXPONOR 2026", said Andrea Moreno, manager of the international exhibition.
Selective collection
Through 10 waste drop-off points with three containers for the separation of specific materials, and 13 metal cages for plastics, strategically distributed within the exhibition grounds, this system facilitated the separation and recycling process that came after the end of the event. All the waste was taken to a treatment plant for baling, which consisted of compaction and grouping to facilitate its storage and transport, to then be sold to companies specialised in recycling and thus promote the circular economy and reduce waste in landfills.
“It was our first paid contract, and that made us very happy, and we were delighted by the work itself at EXPONOR, because we had a lot of contact with people and it was a super positive experience for the recyclers. When we worked in the landfill, we used our own clothes, but here we had to be in uniform, with safety shoes, gloves, that is, all the work clothing we had never used, so the experience was not only pleasant, but it was also enriching, because as a result of that we grew and experienced the positive side of recycling. If they need our services again, we will definitely be there", said Francisco Figueroa, the organization's administrative manager.
There are three waste collection points in Antofagasta: one in the military chapel, another at Nicolás Tirado, and the third, in Villa Codelco. The latter belongs to the cooperative, and with the work carried out at EXPONOR, they concluded that cardboard and glass are more sustainable options from an environmental perspective compared to plastic, because it has the largest carbon footprint and bioequivalence requirements.
The EXPONOR organisers see waste management and its impact as a constant challenge that will continue to be addressed in future editions, always seeking to advance towards the goal of sustainability in the industry. This objective is collective and all the actors of society play a key role in its implementation, since the transversal involvement generates the collaboration and commitment of everyone, to achieve a positive and lasting impact on the area and its surrounding communities.
Antofagasta, February 5, 2025
