When Tomás Verdugo joined ME Elecmetal a little over two years ago, he knew he was joining a company that was growing. What he did not imagine was that he would have the opportunity to travel across the world to contribute to that growth in China, one of the strategic regions for global mining. An experience that not only boosted his professional development, but also confirmed something he highlights today: at ME Elecmetal, talent finds real opportunities to grow and innovate.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the company?
My name is Tomás Verdugo, I am a civil metallurgical engineer, a musician and I currently work as an applications engineer. I joined the company as a data analyst, producing deliverables for clients from different mining operations around the world.
I recently took on a new challenge: participating in the company’s development in China, helping strengthen our global capabilities, to provide closer, faster and more effective service globally.
What attracted you to ME Elecmetal?
Long before joining the company I already knew about it. During my years at Universidad de Santiago de Chile, I heard about the experiences of classmates, thesis students and professionals who had worked at the company. ME Elecmetal was always talked about as more than a job; it was seen as a true school where professionals developed and strengthened their skills.
There is probably not a metallurgist in Chile who does not know the company. Its leadership, the quality of its products and its long-standing closeness to the academic world sparked my interest very early. When I finally had the opportunity to join the organization, I confirmed what I had intuited: here there are real spaces to learn, propose ideas and generate value.
In addition, I discovered something that is not always visible from the outside. ME Elecmetal not only manufactures mill liners for mining, but complements that with a value proposition of data analysis that makes relevant differences compared to many competitors. As a metallurgist, that is especially attractive.
How would you describe ME Elecmetal’s culture?
If I had to summarize it in a few words, I would speak of mutual care, respect and excellence. From my first days I received training that reinforced the importance of safety. It is something that is truly lived and not just communicated.
I also value that there is recognition for effort. Programs like outstanding employees help to make visible work that is often done behind the scenes. Being recognized as Employee of the Month during 2026 was an experience that made me feel that individual contribution really matters.
Another aspect I highlight is that people are listened to. When an idea or proposal arises, there is space to discuss, contribute and participate. That openness generates commitment and allows everyone to feel part of the decisions and improvements that drive the organization.
Which benefits do you value most about working here?
One of the things I value most about working at ME Elecmetal is the possibility of developing my professional career without giving up what I am passionate about outside of work. The company has provided me with learning and professional development opportunities, but it has also shown me the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.
Music occupies a very important place in my life. I am a guitarist, I especially enjoy metal, and although I am currently in China for work reasons, I have not given up that passion. In fact, during my stay I bought a guitar to keep playing and I have taken advantage of the experience to attend concerts of some of my favorite bands.
Also, in Chile, I enjoy quiet moments with my family and with Husin, my nearly 15-year-old cat, who is now in the care of my parents while I face this international challenge.
Even while currently in China, I have been able to verify that this concern for people transcends borders. Here the company was recognized as Great Place to Work for promoting an environment where work and personal life can coexist healthily, something that employees in Asia also greatly value.
“The company has provided me with learning and professional development opportunities, but it has also shown me the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.”
Personal anecdotes about teamwork, achievements or company events
One of the most enriching experiences I have had was participating in the Commercial Team Workshop held in Changzhou, China. Thanks to this event I was able to interact with account managers from Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia, something that normally does not happen in day-to-day work.
The most valuable part was understanding the real impact of our work. Many times we are focused on delivering reports, developing analyses or improving tools, but we do not always see everything that happens afterwards. Listening to how our deliverables help business development, anticipate operational problems and generate value for clients was tremendously enriching.
But the experience of living in China has not only been transformative from a work perspective. It has also meant living immersed in a culture completely different from the one I knew. Being in China has allowed me to discover new customs, ways of relating and ways of understanding work and everyday life.
Also, my physical appearance is different from that of Chinese people, and many times I attract attention in the places I visit. It is not uncommon for people to approach to chat and ask questions. These are situations that may seem curious, but they have allowed me to interact with people I probably would never have met otherwise and to live experiences very different from those I would have in Chile.
How does your team help solve challenges in the mining industry?
Today’s mining faces increasingly demanding challenges. Ores are more competent, operational requirements are greater and mistakes can translate into significant losses. In that context, our work consists of continuously monitoring and generating forecasts that allow maintenance to be planned more efficiently.
Thanks to the information we provide, our clients can make better operational decisions and anticipate potential risks. At the same time, we help extend the life of equipment and optimize resources, which also has a positive impact on sustainability.
Many times those of us who work behind a screen do not immediately see the results of our effort. However, when one analyzes the ripple effect that better planning, an optimized shutdown or an extended campaign has, one understands that every contribution adds up to more efficient and sustainable mining.
What excites you most about ME Elecmetal’s future?
I am excited to be part of a company that is building the future of mining through innovation, digitalization and the intelligent use of data. We are experiencing a huge technological transformation, driven by tools such as artificial intelligence.
I am also inspired to see how the organization continues expanding its capabilities globally. Being part of that story generates pride. When in Chile someone in my field asks me where I work and I answer that I work at ME Elecmetal, they immediately know which company I am talking about. And the best part is that behind that recognition are people who every day work with a common purpose: to innovate, collaborate and contribute to the development of ever better mining.
