September 10, 2024 - Volunteer workers from Freeport’s Santiago office recently planted native trees to reforest the Botanical Garden of Viña del Mar, which was devastated in wildfires that ripped through the central Chilean area in February.

The 15 Freeport workers spent the day with volunteers from other mining companies to plant 210 native tree species such as Molle, Chilean Palm, Quillay, Romerillo, Palqui, Quebracho, Boldo and Huingan.

The complete project includes reconstruction of a historic pergola and bridge, a new irrigation system, a reconstructed green house, a new cafeteria and a visitor’s center.

Freeport, which operates the El Abra mine about 930 miles from Viña del Mar, and other mining companies have donated $984 million Chilean pesos (about $1 million in U.S. currency) to reconstruct the park that receives more than 400,000 visitors a year.

“It´s very important that as part of the mining industry we can help out when situations like these fires occur and in areas of the country that are not necessarily where our mine operation is located,” said Francisco Soto, Sales and Logistics Coordinator, who helped in the work. “It is good to see our country as a whole and in this way we generate awareness within our industry.”

Another volunteer, Nathaniel Mardones, Trainee Engineer, added the activity “shows that mining companies have a real commitment to restoring the botanical gardens beyond the economic donation.”

“The presence of mining company employees working as volunteers shows that we have a real interest in helping out,” Mardones said.

The forest fires destroyed 380 hectares (939 acres) of the park and thousands of native species, some of which are being replanted by these mining company volunteers.

Photos (left to right):  Freeport volunteers prepare to plant native trees to rebuild the Botanical Garden of Viña del Mar in Chile; Freeport volunteers from the company’s Santiago office helped plant more than 200 native trees to help in the recovery of the Botanical Garden of Viña del Mar which was destroyed in wildfires last February.