This is the first story in a series highlighting the five pillars of Freeport’s Proudly Creating Better Futures, which conveys the full value of working at Freeport.
Othon Palma Duque wanted a better way to do the most tedious part of his job as a metallurgist in Morenci – manually entering technical data into an Excel spreadsheet. If the process could be automated, he reasoned, that would free him to spend more time in the field doing the work he most enjoyed.
He started studying computer coding on his own, and soon sought help from his supervisors in the Morenci electrowinning tank house and eventually the corporate Data Science department.
After an initial skills assessment, the company provided advanced training through in-house and online educational courses. As his skill level progressed, he used the company’s tuition reimbursement program to help him get a master’s degree in Data Science Engineering at UCLA. Throughout the process, he also was mentored by corporate data specialists and supported by colleagues and managers in Morenci.
Palma Duque now works as a business intelligence analyst II in Morenci. He is part of the team that is using computer technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analysis to extract copper once thought unrecoverable through innovative leaching techniques as part of the company’s Leach to the Last Drop initiative. These techniques are less expensive and more environmentally friendly.
His success illustrates the opportunities Freeport provides employees looking to build rewarding careers while responsibly producing the metals the world wants and needs for a better, more sustainable future.
That is the foundation for Freeport’s Proudly Creating Better Futures, which portrays the value Freeport brings to employees, communities and the world, as well as what makes the company special.
One of the five pillars is We Responsibly Move the World Forward by offering employees innovative and impactful work by responsibly producing the metals that improve everyday life for all. This includes everything from process innovation, to using technology to make mining safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly, to empowering employees and communities to thrive today and in the future.
“Freeport is at the vanguard of technology and innovation in mining,” Palma Duque said. “A lot of this innovation comes from data. It comes from understanding years and years of data in order to produce as much copper as you can. The advantage that you have is that you not only are analyzing data, but you are contributing to making the cleanest and the greenest copper being made by the industry today. You have the chance to change the world.”
Creating better futures
Proudly Creating Better Futures extends beyond high-tech and scientific jobs, said Erich Bower, General Manager-Strategic Workforce Development.
Everyone at Freeport can advance their careers, and the company will help them succeed with training, education, growth opportunities and a supportive atmosphere from fellow team members, site managers and company leaders, Bower said.
While Freeport always has been a good place to work with competitive pay and benefits, Proudly Creating Better Futures is a way to showcase some of the other attractions. These include a culture that prioritizes worker safety and well-being, growth, recognition and the importance of teamwork.
“We are a career destination,” Bower said. “We don’t want you to view us as a stopping off point for two or three or four years. We have a lot of programs in place to develop, train and help you be the best you that you can be.”
The whole story
Proudly Creating Better Futures recognizes there is more to being a good employer than offering innovative and impactful work. The four other pillars help tell the whole story:
We Care for Your Well-Being – Committing to your overall well-being by fostering a safety-first culture and offering high-quality health and wellness programs.
We Invest in Your Growth – Providing pathways for career advancement and skills development to help you grow.
We Value and Reward Your Contributions – Recognizing and rewarding your contributions with competitive, performance-based pay.
We Succeed Together – Creating a supportive team environment enabling us to excel together and be Foremost in Copper
Learn more in upcoming FM News stories.