Can you summarize the progress made by CBB Cales over the past 12 months?

The year 2024 was particularly dynamic and successful for CBB Cales. During this period, the company strengthened its presence in Chile through key infrastructure developments. Among the most significant milestones were the investment in a new storage and distribution center in Pozo Almonte and the expansion of milling operations in Copiapó. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing logistical and operational capabilities across Chile’s principal mining regions.

In addition, within the lime business, we made progress in Antofagasta with the environmental impact assessment for two new kilns scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

What is your current outlook on the copper and lithium markets, and how do they impact CBB Cales?

The copper market remains critical for both Chile and Argentina, and in recent years, lithium has emerged as a key growth sector, particularly due  to its role in batteries for electric vehicles, which are gaining traction in the global automotive industry.

As part of our investment plan for Chile and Argentina, one of CBB Cales’ strategic goals is to commission three next-generation kilns to meet growing demand, particularly from major copper and lithium mining operations in both countries.

CBB Cales (formerly INACAL) has been a reliable partner to the large-scale mining industry for over 30 years, primarily supplying quicklime for copper, lithium, and steelmaking processes. With our new investments, we are well-positioned to support the projected growth in both the copper and lithium sectors in Chile and Argentina.

What is your current production capacity, and what expansion opportunities exist in Chile and Argentina?

CBB Cales is executing a five-year investment plan totaling US$100 million, with a significant portion allocated to expanding operations in Argentina. Despite being in a phase of rapid expansion, production has remained steady and uninterrupted.

Currently, the company has an installed production capacity of 1.2 million t/y across its facilities. With environmental permits underway, we plan to increase capacity by an additional 900,000 t/y through the installation of two new kilns in Antofagasta. In Argentina, we aim to triple current production levels.

How has technology recently contributed to the development of the lime industry?

To maximize the value of lime and deliver tailored solutions to our customers, CBB Cales operates an Application and Innovation Center in Antofagasta, the only facility of its kind in South America.

This state-of-the-art testing center replicates most industrial processes involving lime, including those in the copper, lithium and gold sectors, as well as gas desulfurization, effluent neutralization, and the treatment of hazardous heavy metals. Our technical team develops customized solutions to optimize lime usage, improving efficiency and generating added value for our clients across multiple industries.

What steps has CBB Cales taken in safety and sustainability?

CBB Cales is firmly committed to personal safety and environmental stewardship. A central pillar of our current and future projects is reducing our carbon footprint, which includes plans to install two energy-efficient kilns. This effort is closely aligned with the company’s broader sustainability agenda, which emphasizes responsible growth while respecting the environment and surrounding communities.

What are CBB Cales’ strategic goals for the remainder of 2025 and beyond?

Looking ahead, CBB Cales is focused on expanding lime production through new environmental permits and infrastructure upgrades. These actions reflect a clear strategy for sustainable growth and reinforce the company’s leadership position in the South American lime industry.

In Argentina, a new kiln will be installed over the next four years, enabling us to triple local production capacity to 266,000 t/y. This project is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 and responds to the growing demand for high-quality lime in both the Argentine and Chilean markets.

We will also continue executing our US$100 million investment plan across Chile and Argentina, which includes the installation of three state-of-the-art kilns (in Antofagasta and Argentina) and the development of new storage infrastructure to better serve our expanding customer base in the mining sector.