Cerro Verde Recognized for Contributions to Chili River Restoration

February 23, 2026 - Once heavily polluted by urban wastewater, the Chili River now is showing measurable improvement – and Freeport’s Cerro Verde operation in Peru has received national recognition for its role in making that possible.

During the recent Peru Sostenible 2025 Summit, Cerro Verde received the Peru Recognition for the SDGs + United in Action award in the Large Company category. The honor highlights the measurable improvements made in restoring the Chili River and recognizes the company’s contribution to Target 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDGs), which promotes clean water and sanitation.

Stretching over 70 miles from its Andean headwaters to the Yura River in southern Peru, the Chili River flows through the heart of Arequipa and serves as the water source for households, agriculture and industry. For years, the river carried untreated wastewater from the city, contaminating it far beyond safe levels and affecting the people who depended upon it.

To help address the problem, Cerro Verde reached an agreement with local partners, including the Regional Government of Arequipa and Arequipa’s public water and sanitation company. As part of the agreement, the company financed construction of the La Enlozada Wastewater Treatment System, which began operating in 2015.

Still operated and maintained by Cerro Verde, the wastewater treatment plant is one of the most advanced in South America, treating over 95 percent of Arequipa’s wastewater at no cost to its residents.

The wastewater treatment system is the final phase of Cerro Verde’s broader Virtuous Water Cycle, a multi-year effort to increase and improve water access and help ensure sustainable water management in the Arequipa region. Earlier components include the construction of water dams, irrigation improvements and the Miguel de la Cuba Ibarra Drinking Water Treatment Plant.

José Luis Valverde, Superintendent of Water Management-Cerro Verde, said the project demonstrates that multisectoral cooperation can generate a real and sustainable impact – one that can be replicated across the world.

“I believe that the work Cerro Verde has carried out in Arequipa is invaluable and a true example for the world,” Valverde said. “The achievement of restoring the river’s ecosystem and bringing the Chili River back to life not only responds to regional needs, but also demonstrates how collaboration between the private sector, the public sector and civil society can generate concrete progress in the indicators of the SDGs, especially in the area of clean surface water and sanitation.”

Photo (bottom): José Luis Valverde (far right) and other members of the Cerro Verde team accept the award for the site’s efforts in restoring the Chili River.