Working safely is the key to success, especially in potentially dangerous professions like mining and motorcycle racing, one of the world’s top motorsports competitors told employees and contractors at El Abra recently.
Francisco "Chaleco" López, a Chilean professional racer and three-time Dakar Rally champion, likened mining to racing in that both require strict adherence to safety procedures and the support of a strong team to excel.
“We share many things with mining, such as strategy, planning, recognizing the associated risks, teamwork, etc., and this is a parallel that makes everyone click,” said Lopez, recognized as one of the top motorcycle racers in the world.
The El Abra operation and a contractor company, Copec, organized the motivational talk by Lopez that was attended by about 160 company employees and contract workers.
"We must keep taking care of each other, be aware of our work, and we must be professional in what we do in every area, from the operator, the administrator, to the manager,” he said. “Most importantly, we must work as a team so that we can all return home without any mishap.”
Lopez said the team he works with has about 40 people, and the safety of each one is important to everyone. Good results are not a matter of chance, he said, but rather methodical work.