Minister of Mining defends Codelco, calls on nation to “take care” of the state-owned copper giant

SANTIAGO.- Without directly referring to the current controversy generated at Codelco due reports of misappropriated finances, the Minister of Mining, Santiago González, spoke out in defense of the copper corporation, claiming that it is necessary to “take care” of the state-owned company since it is “a fundamental part of out country’s development”.

Earlier this week, a television program leaked reports of alleged misuse of financial resources at Codelco, prompting Alianza members of Parliament to ask President Michelle Bachelet to order a formal investigation into the matter.

“Codelco is not only a company, Codelco is a fundamental part of our country’s development, and that is why when we look at Codelco, when we speak about Codelco, we are looking at the future of Chile”, asserted González.

The minister based the need to “take care” of the copper giant on the fact that “the difference between what Chile is today and what it can be ten years from now lies in mining, and Codelco represents half of the mining in this country in financial contributions to the Republic of Chile”.