Building pathways from learning to opportunity
The Atacama Region is rich in natural resources and plays an important role in Chile’s mining industry. Yet educational gaps can make it difficult for some people in the region to develop the skills and experience needed to participate fully in the opportunities around them.
As one of the largest private employers in Atacama, Lundin Mining recognizes that strong communities and a skilled local workforce are essential to the region’s future and to the long-term success of our operations.
Through ARA (Atacama Red de Aprendizaje – or Atacama Learning Network, in English), we are working with local partners to expand access to learning, strengthen skills, and create clearer pathways to employment and economic opportunity. ARA builds on years of education and community investment by our Candelaria and Caserones operations. It connects this work through a shared, long-term program designed to extend its reach and impact across Atacama.
Shaped by local voices
ARA was co-designed with the Atacama Local Public Education Service, school communities, students, community members, and organizations with expertise in education and regional development. This collaborative approach helps ensure the program reflects local needs, supports public education priorities, and complements work already underway across the region. The program draws on evidence-based practices and includes clear measures to track progress, learn from results, and adapt its initiatives over time.
From the classroom to the workforce
Guided by a vision extending through 2030, ARA is organized around three connected pillars that support people at different stages of their learning and employment journey.
1. Inspire and ignite
Strengthens foundational learning in public schools by supporting school attendance, reading comprehension, and effective teaching practices. The goal is to help children build confidence in their abilities and develop the foundational skills they need to continue learning.
2. Pathways to mining and STEM
Connects students with technical, vocational, and career pathways in mining, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The pillar will strengthen coordination between education and industry so that programs reflect Atacama’s current and future workforce needs.
3. Skills for success
Supports workers, local suppliers, and businesses in developing the capabilities they need to participate more fully in the economic opportunities generated across Atacama. This includes helping strengthen the local mining value chain while supporting a more diverse and resilient regional economy.
Building on a strong foundation
The first pillar of ARA is already reaching nearly 2,000 students and 130 teachers across 13 schools in Tierra Amarilla and rural Atacama, with an initial focus on attendance, literacy, and teacher development.
The program also builds on existing initiatives delivered through Candelaria and Caserones, including scholarships, internships, workforce development, local supplier programs, and partnerships with the University of Atacama. Programs such as PILA are helping people with no previous mining experience develop practical skills and pursue careers in the industry, including creating new opportunities for women in the region.
A long-term commitment
ARA reflects our broader commitment to building value in and with communities. By investing in learning, skills, and local talent, Lundin Mining aims to help more people pursue opportunities in their own region, while supporting the workforce and local businesses needed for Atacama’s continued development. It also supports Lundin Mining’s long-term growth by helping strengthen local talent and regional capabilities to support our operations and our goal to become one of the top ten global copper producers.