TEAM

Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Mining Civil Engineer with graduate studies leading to a Master of Science degree, specializing in Geophysics. His experience in the mining industry includes operational geomechanical control, the development of geomechanical engineering across all project stages for underground and open-pit mining operations, the conceptualization, development, and application of numerical modeling methodologies, as well as the creation and implementation of projects focused on technological innovation.

Alejandro Espinosa  

alejandro.espinosa@bctec.cl

Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Engineer with 36 years of experience in the mining industry, specializing in tunneling, block caving, and open-pit mining projects. He has led multidisciplinary teams in key projects for Codelco Chuquicamata and Codelco División Andina, with 28 years in senior operational and engineering roles at El Salvador and Chuquicamata divisions. His extensive career has provided him with deep expertise in geotechnical and operational challenges, delivering innovative and efficient solutions for complex mining environments.

Ernesto Arancibia Villegas  

ERNESTO.VILLEGAS@BCTEC.CLL

Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Geomechanics Engineer with experience across all stages of mining projects, from conceptual studies to construction. Specialized in instrumentation, numerical modeling, subsidence, and ground support design, with a strong focus on the Panel Caving mining method. He has worked at Codelco El Teniente, applying geomechanical techniques such as Overcoring, Doorstopper, Hollow Inclusion, and oriented core analysis. He is recognized for his field leadership and ability to deliver geotechnical solutions in complex mining environments.

Patricio Cavieres Rojas  

patricio.cavieres@bctec.cl

Engineering Assistant Manager – Master’s Degree in Mining

Specialist in mining process design, planning, and modeling, with over 8 years of experience focused on gravity flow systems. He has participated in the development and implementation of high-complexity mining projects in Chile, Peru, Australia, and the United States, standing out for his technical expertise and commitment to operational excellence.

LENIN ARANCIBIA GUEVARA  

larancibia@bctec.cl

Specialist Engineer – Master’s Degree in Mining

His expertise includes underground blasting design, three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling using discrete and finite element methods for geomechanical risk analysis, as well as production capacity studies in Panel Caving operations through discrete event simulation. He is recognized for his technical approach and strong ability to integrate advanced simulation tools into operational decision-making processes.

CARLOS VALDÉS FLORES  

carlos.valdes@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer 

He has strong expertise in gravity flow modeling for underground mining, as well as in production capacity estimation and long-term mine planning. He has led and collaborated on research focused on these areas, promoting innovative solutions aimed at optimizing operational efficiency. He is recognized for his technical rigor, experience in processing large volumes of data, and commitment to excellence in mine planning.

DIEGO POLLARD  

DIEGO.POLLARD@BCTEC.CL

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

With experience in long-term mine planning and mining method analysis for underground operations. He has participated in research focused on physical gravity flow modeling and studies related to dilution entry mechanisms in caving mining methods. He has contributed to the development of case studies aimed at optimizing underground mine planning, standing out for his analytical approach and ability to integrate technical knowledge into efficient mining solutions.

TYLOR DIAZ 

TYLOR.DIAZ@BCTEC.CL

Project Engineer  – Master’s Degree in Mining

Mining Civil Engineer focused on research and development of solutions applied to underground mining and gravity flow modeling using Discrete Element Methods (DEM), as well as the analysis of operational databases from caving and open-pit mining operations.He has developed predictive models using machine learning techniques aimed at optimizing mining processes, standing out for his rigorous approach in applying advanced technologies to mining development.

DANIEL SAAVEDRA

DANIEL.SAAVEDRA@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Specialist in geomechanics applied to underground mining, with significant involvement in numerical modeling projects focused on caving processes and stability analysis. He contributes to the evaluation and design of technical solutions for highly complex geological environments, distinguished by his methodological rigor, strong technical expertise, and ability to address challenging engineering problems with a high level of precision.

MAURICIO Valderrama  

mauricio.valderrama@BCTEC.CL

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

He has solid experience in the design and planning of underground mining operations, integrating advanced knowledge in organizational management and process optimization. He has participated in research focused on material flow through physical modeling and in the implementation of mining methods, contributing a comprehensive approach oriented toward the continuous improvement of mining operational efficiency.

SEBASTIAN ORTIZ   

sebastian.ortiz@BCTEC.CL

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Specialist in numerical modeling using the Discrete Element Method (DEM), applied to gravity flow experiments in underground caving mining operations. He contributes to the understanding of the dynamic processes involved in ore extraction and to the development of simulation-based technical solutions.

BRYAN CASTRO GALLARDO  

bryan.castro@bctec.cl

Project Engineer  – Mining Civil Engineer

He is involved in long-term mine planning studies and risk analysis for mine-scale projects. His work includes the evaluation of gravity flow in caving mining operations, as well as stress analysis through 3D numerical modeling, standing out for his solution-oriented approach to complex mining challenges.

Sebastian Molina Pinilla  

sebastian.molina@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Specialized in the development of caving propagation models and pillar stability assessment. He has participated in underground mining projects, contributing technical solutions based on advanced geomechanical analysis, and is recognized for his structured approach and strong analytical capabilities.

Miguel Cifuentes López  

miguel.cifuentes@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Professional focused on mine planning and technical analysis in underground mining, with experience in the integration of simulation tools and software applied to planning processes. He is recognized for his interest in mine planning, strong learning capabilities, and technical approach to the analysis and development of solutions applied to underground mining.

PABLO MUÑOZ  

PABLO.MUNOZ@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Professional specialized in gravity flow and fragmentation modeling for caving mining operations, contributing to international projects focused on optimizing complex mining processes and maximizing operational efficiency through high-impact solutions.

Camila San Martín Duarte  

Camila.sanmartin@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Professional with experience in mine planning, drilling and blasting, and geomechanical analysis, with involvement in both underground and open-pit operations. His experience includes numerical modeling applied to underground mining methods such as Block Caving and Sublevel Stoping, as well as slope stability studies in open-pit mining.He has extensive field experience in drilling and blasting processes, participating in design evaluation and results analysis. He is recognized for his strong technical approach and his ability to contribute to process optimization and operational decision-making.

ROBERTO FLORES  

RoBERTO.FLORES@bctec.cl

Project Engineer – Mining Civil Engineer

Professional with experience in long-term mine planning, risk model analysis and calibration, and production capacity estimation for material handling systems. He has participated in engineering studies for large-scale mining operations, including Codelco El Teniente and Codelco Chuquicamata, contributing to the analysis and evaluation of processes associated with mine planning and operations.

CHRISTIAN HARDTMANN  

CHRISTIAN.HARDTMANN@bctec.cl

Chief Technology Officer (CIO)

Executive with more than 18 years of professional experience, having worked as a software development engineer and IT project manager. He specializes in the development of cross-functional systems, including networks, databases, legacy systems, business intelligence, Big Data, cloud computing, and mobile applications, among others.

José Bacigalupo  

JOSE.BACIGALUPO@BCTEC.CL

Head of Administration and Finance

General Accountant responsible for managing and executing BCTEC’s accounting and financial processes. His work includes the preparation of financial statements, tax reporting, and ensuring the accuracy of accounting records, contributing to efficient and professional financial management at BCTEC.

FNELSON@BCTEC.CL

Administration and Finance Assistant

General Accountant with strong expertise in financial statement preparation, document control, and accounting data analysis. His role also includes managing relationships with clients, suppliers, and government entities, ensuring regulatory compliance and the operational efficiency of BCTEC.

Human Resources Manager

MARCELA TORRES  

MARCELA.TORRES@BCTEC.CL

Professional editor

Diane Greenstein  

DIANEGREENST@GMAIL.COM