• The project was financed by Volcan Compañía Minera.

• Approximately 250 people will benefit, as well as tourism and other economic activities in the area.

Thanks to the commitment assumed by Volcan Compañía Minera, through its Chungar mining unit, together with the authorities of the Santa Catalina Rural Community, the Shagua - Catalina transmission line was inaugurated, which will supply electricity 24 hours a day to the town's population. To date, the community has had an average of 4 hours of electricity per day from a generator set.

This work consists of laying 9 kilometers of electric cables from the Shagua hydroelectric plant, owned by the mining company, to the community, so that the streets of Santa Catalina will now have permanent street lighting, as well as public buildings and homes.

"This work will contribute significantly to the progress and development of our beloved community of Santa Catalina, which only had a few hours of electric light a day. Thanks to the contribution of Volcan Compañía Minera, our population will improve their quality of life and our children will no longer have to continue studying with candles. It is definitely a great day for all of us," said community president Rufino Paredes Liceta.

Edgardo Zamora, Romina Project Manager of the mining company, said: "Electricity is of vital importance for the growth of communities, as it increases development opportunities on all scales, contributing to the economic activities of the area and generating new local businesses. Education, employment, health, tourism, among others, will also benefit".

In addition, Volcan's representative thanked the good will of the Board of Directors of Santa Catalina to carry out this work, to benefit the local residents. "This inauguration is a clear example that when we work hand in hand, company and community, we achieve the best results," he said.

The inauguration ceremony included a day full of activities, including the unveiling of the memorial plaque and the lighting of street lights in the main square of the community of Santa Catalina. A local orchestra, typical dances and the customary raising of the flag were also performed.

proEXPLO 2023: Descubriendo la Minería del Futuro