Minera Escondida

Consistent with its Charter, which states that the Company is successful when the communities where it operates value its presence, each year, BHP Billiton invests 1% of its profits at worldwide level (average of the last three fiscal years) in community initiatives. Thus, one of the strategic objectives is to be a responsible citizen and to be recognized as such.

Escondida has excelled in its permanent contribution to the community in which it operates, generating instances of a permanent nature to carry out said contribution. Through its Corporate Affairs area, Minera Escondida actively works with public and private institutions and community organizations, directing its contributions to various cultural, educational and social initiatives that are oriented towards improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Antofagasta region. The Company also cooperates with and promotes several activities linked to the arts and culture in Santiago, especially providing access to cultural events of excellence in lower income areas. One example is the 10-year alliance with the organizers of the “Teatro a Mil” Festival, through which the Company has contributed to the free presentation of international shows of high quality in various areas of Santiago. Also worth mentioning is the work of the various volunteer groups that have been formed by Company employees, who develop projects for the benefit of areas of
lower income.

In 1996 the Company created the Minera Escondida Foundation (FME), the objective of which was to develop social capital by means of developing and promoting human and social capacities. The main strategic objective and axis of FME’s social intervention is to strengthen formal education in the Second Region through strategies and actions such as the educational quality of the Minera Escondida School Network (“REME” or “Red de Escuelas Minera Escondida”), formed by municipal schools in the region.

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