Community

SECOND EDITION OF COGNITIVE STIMULATION WORKSHOP CONCLUDES

On July 30, we celebrated the closing of the Cognitive Stimulation Workshop, designed to help prevent cognitive decline in older adults while promoting social connection and community engagement.

Over the course of three months, our occupational therapist led activities with seniors from various localities of Vallenar. To ensure everyone could participate, we arranged transportation for residents living in more distant areas.

“This program has helped me a lot because I had a fall and broke my hip, and this workshop got me out of bed after only seven days. Sometimes I’m given exercises to do at home, and that motivates me. It’s a very beneficial program”, shared participant Inés Figueroa.

As part of Hot Chili’s Health and Wellbeing Program, this is the second time we have organized the workshop, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the mental health of communities across the Huasco Valley, where access to such services remains limited.

Inés encourages her peers to join in future activities: “Take advantage of this opportunity—this space where we can relax, learn, and share together.”

Stay tuned to our official channels for upcoming dates and new workshops organized by Hot Chili.

WHAT STAGE IS COSTA FUEGO AT?

Costa Fuego is not yet a mine.

Hot Chili has completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which included more detailed designs for the Project to allow for it to be assessed as economically viable.

The next steps for the Project include preparation and submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with SEIA, and the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

Construction of the mine would commence only after the approvals of the EIA and financing of the project upon the completion of a DFS.

If Hot Chili is successful in gaining all required approvals and funding, it is estimated that construction could start before 2030.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM

For over a decade the Company has invested into programmes for the benefit of local communities. Key initiatives include:

• 2012 onwards - Commenced support of residences for children in care in Vallenar and Freirina
• 2018 onwards - Extended support to communities neighbouring the Productora and Cortadera Projects, supplying fresh water for irrigation, water storage tanks, solar panels, and fencing materials
• 2022 onwards - Designed and executed programs for the wider Huasco Valley communities including mental health and wellbeing programs, education and vocational support programs, conservation of indigenous flora with local gardening enthusiasts, and provision of land and resources to small-scale artisanal miners.
• 2025 onwards – Formed working groups with the closest communities to the Project, to co-design social investment under the principles of self determination and free prior and informed consent.

Hot Chili is committed to making a positive and lasting contribution to the development of the communities of the Costa Fuego Project. To learn more about our activities follow us on social media, or reach out to the community liason team

WE DELIVER MINING LEASE AGREEMENTS TO PIRQUINEROS OF POZO SECO

In line with the development of our current projects in the Atacama Region, and under our commitment to advancing sustainable mining that contributes to the growth of the region and its surroundings, we are pleased to announce a new agreement with the Pirquineros Union of Pozo Seco.

On Tuesday, September 10, we signed mining lease agreements with a group of pirquineros, allowing them to carry out small-scale mining activities in the vicinity of Pozo Seco.

This agreement will enable the workers to extract and sell minerals in compliance with current regulations. Quartz, gold, and to a lesser extent copper, are the minerals that may be commercialized during the one-year term of the contract.

“Supporting local communities in their daily work is one of our company’s core missions. Through collaborative engagement with the communities surrounding our operations, we seek to ensure responsible mining practices that respect both the environment and people. Thanks to this new agreement, pirquineros will be able to work with peace of mind, complying with the standards of both Sernageomin and the companies to which they sell their minerals”, said our Executive Vice President, José Ignacio Silva.

The Municipality of Vallenar will provide technical support, supervision of mining declarations, inspection visits, and will ensure safety in the designated areas. “We are not the only ones responsible, but collaborators in this important project that will benefit our community,” expressed the municipal administration. Mayor Armando Flores emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to advancing Vallenar’s development, strengthening small producers, and fostering sustainable growth.

At Hot Chili, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding community engagement alongside the various stakeholders with whom we work.

VALLENAR COMMUNITY LIASON OFFICER

Carla is based in Vallenar and welcomes your contact for any queries.

Carla Cortes| Community Liaison Officer

📧 carla.cortes@hotchili.net.au

📱 +569 8519 5673

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