An internal audit revealed that Codelco overestimated 2025 production by nearly 27,000 tons, forcing more than six thousand workers and executives to return $14.3 million in bonuses.
The National Copper Corporation reported that the correction lowered the reported production from 1.33 million to just over 1.30 million tons. The error affected the Chuquicamata, Ministro Hales and Casa Matriz divisions.
Deputies from Renovación Nacional and the Partido Republicano sent an official letter to the Comptroller General of the Republic to investigate possible irregularities in the validation of the figures. Several legislators, including Daniel Valenzuela and Valentina Cáceres, are also pushing for an investigative commission in the Chamber.
Union leader Alberto Muñoz warned that workers bear no responsibility and that they could mobilize if there is no prior dialogue. The president of Codelco’s Audit Committee, Tamara Agnic, stated that the return will be carried out gradually and in accordance with the law.