October 26th marked a significant milestone in the global mining industry with the inauguration of the new operational phase of Teck Quebrada Blanca. This project, led by the Canadian company Teck, stands out as its largest mining project worldwide. With the largest mining investment in Chile in 15 years, more than US$8.2 billion, it plans to produce 320 tons of copper in the next five years.
The inauguration event was attended by more than 500 people, including prominent figures such as Teck’s CEO, Jonathan Price, the Vice President of South America, Amparo Cornejo, and the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, part of the Ministerial Cabinet, clients and employees of the company.
From the beginning, we immersed ourselves in the challenge of capturing the essence of the project and transmitting it through an immersive experience. The goal was clear: merge industrial greatness with sustainability and connection to the land. Our strategic focus was centered on the “Pulse of the Earth” concept. A common thread that led us to the essential, the first thing, the importance of vitality, of its elements, of community, dialogue, respect and care for the land. It also made sense because it connects us with our origin, the raw material, the formation of minerals, the climatic cycles that leave their mark and memory in our territory. A noble and sensitive meaning that was present in all design decisions and in every experience of the event.
The assembly was quite a challenge. The mining company’s port, Punta Patache, Iquique, was chosen to receive the guests, this place had an irregular and very limited terrain and the adverse weather conditions, typical of the coast of the region. Finally, a Layer structure of more than 3,000 square meters was built, with 4 large spaces that guided a sequential story.
The welcome terrace was conceived as a corporate space, where the contrast of the staging soaked Teck’s guests from the moment they arrived. A place of reception where vitality and community met again. To continue, a transition space was generated to introduce the main concept: The pulse of the earth. Guests proceeded to an immersive, dark and intriguing room, an ephemeral museum where archaeological samples rescued from the construction process of the port and minerals from the northern territory were exhibited. A large canvas accompanied the projection of an audiovisual piece and a surround sound system, captivating and transporting the guests to the territory and the center of our land. The ceremony room, located next, witnessed a sequence of inaugural milestones that left the spectators connected to the essence of Teck. Audiovisual graphics accompanied the entire show and played a fundamental role in projecting the epic construction of the mine and port. The closing was in charge of the orchestra of Tarapacá with a musicalization composed and directed by Hugo Manzi, accompanied by a multimedia piece that allowed to feel and visualize the rhythm of Violeta Parra’s music reflected in elements of the earth. Strategically, the view of the harbor was saved for last. A moment of relaxation and cocktail on a large terrace with incredible panoramic sea views was designed as a visual ode to the monumentality of the industry, creating a unique emotional connection between attendees.
In addition, at the Concentrator, located more than 4,300 meters above sea level, the idea was conceived of a lookout point that would serve as an architectural testimony to the imposing magnitude of the recently inaugurated site. This project was developed with the concept of highlighting the pulse of the earth, basing its creation on integration and respect for the environment. The access to the lookout point was designed taking into consideration the pyramids that mark the boundary between the existing vehicular roads and the undisturbed area. To reach the highest point of Quebrada Blanca, where the viewpoint is located, a footbridge was implemented that rests on the ground. At each break in this catwalk, totems of corten steel are erected to convey the company’s core values. The viewing platform, conceived as a mechanized structure to minimize its impact on the environment, is clad with oxidized corten steel that simulates copper production. Its elevated site design seeks to intervene as little as possible in the surrounding landscape, thus maintaining a harmonious balance with the surrounding nature.
In conclusion, designing this experience was a collaborative and exciting exercise that sought to transcend conventional boundaries. In celebrating the opening of Teck Quebrada Blanca, we not only wanted to create a memorable event, but also to leave a lasting impression that reflects innovation, sustainability and connection to the land. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this historic milestone and hope that this experience will live on in the memories of all involved.
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