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CTES DEV
Our Identity

Who we are

We are the Chilean Tunnelling and Underground Space Committee, a technical organization dedicated to promoting the responsible and efficient use of underground space.

Tunneling engineering

What is CTES Chile?

CTES Chile is the Chilean Tunnelling and Underground Space Corporation, a technical and permanent entity that brings together companies, institutions, and professionals linked to tunneling and underground works engineering.

The corporation brings together consultants, contractors, suppliers, clients, academics, and sector specialists, with the purpose of articulating knowledge, channeling experiences, and promoting technical development, innovation, and best practices in underground infrastructure.

CTES Chile is an open and convening organization, oriented toward strengthening the industry collaboratively, contributing to the country's sustainable development and the technical advancement of the sector.

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ITA–AITES international representation

CTES Chile officially represents Chile before the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA–AITES), an international organization that brings together more than 70 countries and the main companies and institutions of the tunneling industry worldwide.

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Mission, Vision, and Objectives

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Mission

Promote the development of the tunneling and underground space industry in Chile, connecting all stakeholders in the sector.

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Vision

Become the main technical reference and meeting point for the tunneling and underground space industry in Chile.

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Objectives

  • check_circle Articulate and transfer knowledge and technical information in the field of tunnels and underground spaces.
  • check_circle Generate opportunities for dissemination and technical training in tunnels and underground works.
  • check_circle Disseminate innovation, knowledge, and best practices in the sector.
  • check_circle Promote engagement with national and international entities related to the industry.
  • check_circle Actively participate in the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association ITA–AITES.
  • check_circle Collaborate with universities, technology and research centers, clients, and other organizations to improve the engineering, construction, operation, maintenance, and safety of underground works.

    • Director's Letter

    “Driving the development of the underground world in Chile”


    Dear community of the Chilean Corporation of Tunnels and Underground Spaces (CTES):

    It is an honor to address you as representatives of the development of tunnels and underground spaces in our country and the region.

    Since its inception, CTES Chile has worked with the conviction of promoting the sustainable, efficient, and innovative use of the subsoil, with special emphasis on the planning, design, construction, and operation of underground works. Our mission is to drive knowledge, technological innovation, and collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors to develop a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

    We firmly believe that underground spaces are a strategic alternative for addressing Chile’s urban, environmental, and connectivity challenges, given our complex geography and high population density. In this context, at CTES we work actively on:

     

    Technical dissemination: Promotion of best practices and specialized knowledge.

    Networking: Creating meeting spaces for professionals, companies, academia, and the public sector.

    Training: Organizing seminars, courses, industrial visits, and sectoral meetings.

    International networks: Strengthening ties with global leaders such as the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES).

     

    The national landscape, marked by mining, energy, and urban transport, positions underground development as a key solution. However, we recognize pending challenges in terms of regulations and territorial planning, areas where we seek to contribute through technical dialogue.

     

    During the last period, we have achieved significant milestones:

     

    1. Consolidation of strategic alliances with academic institutions and public bodies.

    2. Hosting high-level technical seminars and webinars.

    3. Strengthening our partner network, the main engine of our corporation.

     

    Looking ahead, our goal is to continue strengthening this community, expanding our collaborator base, and positioning the strategic value of the subsoil in Chile.

    I sincerely appreciate the commitment of our partners, directors, and allied organizations. Your participation makes it possible for us to move toward a country that utilizes its underground space intelligently and safely.

    I invite you to continue building together, because the future of development is also built underground.

    Gustavo Estay Caballero

    CTES Chile President

    CTES Chile Board 2023 – 2026

    Meet the professionals who lead our corporation.

    Gustavo Estay
    President

    GUSTAVO ADOLFO RAMÓN ESTAY CABALLERO

    email
    President

    Gustavo Estay

    CTES Chile President.

    Civil Engineer from the University of Chile, with an extensive career of over three decades in the development, analysis, and promotion of strategic infrastructure for the country. He currently serves as Corporate Affairs Manager at CyD Ingeniería, where he leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the link between engineering, territorial planning, and public policies related to sustainable infrastructure development.

    Throughout his career, he has actively participated in spaces for reflection and coordination between the public, private, and academic sectors, promoting the strengthening of engineering as a key enabler for economic growth, territorial resilience, and adaptation to the challenges of climate change.

    In recent years, as President of CTES Chile, he has worked toward the consolidation of the Corporation as a technical benchmark and an industry meeting point, strengthening collaboration between professionals and organizations linked to engineering, construction, equipment, and underground project management. He has driven digitalization and fostered the dissemination of best practices, technological innovation, and the development of the necessary capabilities to successfully address projects associated with the underground world.

    In this way, his work has focused especially on issues related to water infrastructure, the development of strategic sanitation, transport, and energy projects, and new technological solutions for the construction of complex infrastructure, while also contributing to public debate and the generation of knowledge for the sustainable development of Chile.

    Armando Olavarría
    Vice President

    ARMANDO ALEJANDRO OLAVARRÍA COUCHOT

    Vice President

    Armando Olavarría

    Vice President CTES

    Mining Civil Engineer, Independent Senior Consultant in Mining, Tunnels and Underground Works.

    Luis Uribe
    Director

    LUIS ANTONIO URIBE CRISÓSTOMO

    Director

    Luis Uribe

    CTES Director

    Civil Engineer, Master of Science, with 28 years of professional experience. Since February 2018, he has served as Technical Manager of Grupo Costanera.

     

    Leads the development of strategic concessioned road infrastructure projects, such as the Américo Vespucio Oriente II (AVO II) Highway project, which includes two 5.2 km mining tunnels.

    Pablo Gándara
    Director

    PABLO ENRIQUE GANDARA MORENO

    Director

    Pablo Gándara

    CTES Director

    Mining Civil Engineer (U. de Chile), with over 20 years in the industry. Currently serves as Manager of Mineral Resources and Development at Codelco’s El Teniente Division.

    René Álvarez
    Director

    RENÉ MARCELO ALVAREZ SALGADO

    Director

    René Álvarez

    Engineer with 19 years of experience, primarily in underground mining.

    Matías Egaña
    Director

    MATÍAS JOSÉ EGAÑA ERAZO

    Director

    Matías Egaña

    Mining Civil Engineer and Bachelor of Geophysics. Consultant with over 15 years of experience.

    Henry Martínez
    Director

    HENRY SANDRO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ

    Director

    Henry Martínez

    Engineer with 35 years of experience at Codelco, Barrick, and Freeport.

    Ana Cooper
    Director

    ANA BEATRIZ COOPER MARZAL

    Director

    Ana Cooper

    Civil Engineer with over 30 years in underground project design.

    Leonardo Bustamante
    Director

    LEONARDO JAVIER BUSTAMANTE VEGA

    Director

    Leonardo Bustamante

    Civil Engineer with 33 years of experience in design and infrastructure.

    Foundational documents and transparency

    CTES Chile makes available key documents that support its institutional operation and commitment to transparency.

    • description Corporation Statutes
    • gavel Internal regulations
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    CTE Statute: Board Operating Protocol and Election

    Official PDF Document

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