Codelco Appoints Jorge Gómez as New CEO Amid Production Scandal and Leadership Shake-Up in Chile
Chile’s Codelco Names Jorge Gómez CEO as State Copper Giant Seeks Stability After Production Reporting Scandal
Chile’s state-owned copper producer Codelco has appointed Jorge Gómez as its new chief executive officer as the company continues to navigate the fallout from a scandal involving inflated production figures.
In an official statement, Codelco confirmed that Gómez will assume the role on July 13, succeeding current CEO Rubén Alvarado. The appointment follows earlier reporting by Reuters, which cited sources familiar with the decision.
Gómez joins Codelco after serving since 2012 as head of the Collahuasi mine, one of the world’s largest copper operations. He is widely regarded as a veteran of the Chilean mining industry.
Codelco board chair Bernardo Fontaine described Gómez as “one of the most recognized and respected executives in Chilean mining,” adding that his experience would be critical in addressing the company’s current challenges.
He said Gómez’s priorities will include improving safety performance, strengthening profitability, enhancing operational control, and advancing environmental and social sustainability.
Extensive Mining Experience
Before his role at Collahuasi, Gómez previously held senior positions within Codelco, overseeing mining operations in central Chile.
He also served as vice president of operations at Antofagasta Minerals between 2006 and 2010 and was general manager of Minera Los Pelambres from 1997 to 2006.
Gómez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Leadership Changes and Audit Process
The appointment comes amid a broader restructuring at Codelco following concerns over production reporting and operational governance.
In May, the company dismissed an executive and imposed disciplinary measures on several employees after an internal audit identified irregularities in reported 2025 production figures.
Earlier, Reuters reported questions surrounding unusual production spikes recorded in December.
The leadership reshuffle is part of a wider effort by Chilean authorities to strengthen oversight of the state mining giant. Mining Minister Daniel Mas, appointed under President José Antonio Kast’s administration, has described the new board as having a “special mandate” to oversee an external audit and investigate recent operational issues.
In May, Kast also appointed economist Bernardo Fontaine as Codelco’s board chair and replaced two board members as part of the restructuring process.
Government Response
In a statement posted on social media, Minister Mas welcomed Gómez’s appointment and expressed confidence in the new leadership team.
“They face the major challenge of guiding Codelco into the future with safety and excellence,” he said. “Codelco urgently needs technical leadership of this caliber to restore its standing as a source of national pride.”
Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, is now focused on restoring operational credibility, stabilizing production performance, and rebuilding trust following the internal audit findings.
The appointment of Gómez marks a critical step in the company’s efforts to strengthen governance and reposition itself after months of scrutiny over its production reporting practices.
