During the recent 47th anniversary celebration of the fire department in Andacollo, Chile, new personal protective equipment was presented to the volunteer firefighters set to become the first students at the new Andacollo School for Mine Rescue.
Supported by both Teck and other companies in the region, the school will be run by the fire department and train volunteers from throughout the area as well as employees from private companies.
“Through Teck’s support, we now have all the necessary resources to train mine rescue volunteers throughout the region,” said Juan Godoy, Andacollo’s Fire Superintendent, referring to Teck’s contribution of the new rescue unit, which will equip 20 volunteers.
Carlos Saldivar, Head of Industrial Safety and Emergency at Carmen de Andacollo, highlighted the initiative as one that will fill the need for a specialized rescue division.
“The training these volunteers will receive will provide an essential service to the area,” he said. “For Teck, it’s one more way we are helping ensure everyone—including people across the region—goes home safe and healthy every day.”
