REDCO strengthens its underground mining capabilities with the acquisition of Chilean company CAVING

As part of its technical consolidation and regional specialization strategy, REDCO announced in July the acquisition of the Chilean company CAVING, integrating advanced capabilities for the development of underground mining projects through methods such as Block, Panel, Inclined and Sublevel Caving.

The transaction seeks to strengthen the consultancy’s approach in a field where few consultancies in the region have proven experience. It is a strategic move that consolidates a team with an extensive track record in engineering applied to highly complex orebodies.

The announcement coincides with the industry’s growing interest in planned transitions from open pit mining to underground mining, a topic REDCO recently addressed at the 9th GeoMin MinePlanning 2025 International Conference. On that occasion, engineer José Pizarro presented approaches for managing this type of transition with a focus on operational continuity, early planning and the control of geotechnical, economic and cultural risks.

In this way, REDCO presented concrete cases that demonstrate the strategic value of this type of decision: In Brazil, for example, a non-metallic mine that implemented a gradual transition to underground mining increased its net present value by 30% and extended the orebody’s useful life by 9 years.

In addition to technical aspects, the underground transition offers significant environmental advantages: a smaller visual footprint, reduced emissions, better noise control and more efficient water use.

With the incorporation of CAVING, REDCO strengthens its ability to support mining companies in these processes, combining engineering excellence, strategic vision and solutions geared toward long-term sustainability.