Companies associated with CTES-Chile took part in this event held at the Colegio de Ingenieros, where the Corporation reported on its management and progress during 2025, presented the results of the 3rd Photography Contest, and recognised the best underground projects developed in Chile.
Last Thursday, December 18, the Chilean Tunnels and Underground Spaces Corporation (CTES-Chile) successfully held its traditional annual Networking Reception, bringing together a broad representation of its member companies, industry professionals, and key stakeholders. The event took place at the Colegio de Ingenieros and was led by representatives of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
Gustavo Estay, President of CTES-Chile, welcomed attendees. In his opening remarks, he sincerely thanked the member companies for their participation and ongoing commitment, highlighting the essential role each plays in the Corporation’s development, positioning, and projection at both national and international levels.
Management, progress, and challenges for 2025
One of the main objectives of the Chilean Tunnels and Underground Spaces Corporation (CTES-Chile) is to promote knowledge dissemination, technical training, and the exchange of experiences in the field of tunnels and underground works. In this context, during the Networking Reception, the Corporation’s President presented a comprehensive report on management and the main results achieved during 2025.
Among the most significant milestones, Gustavo Estay highlighted the delivery of eleven technical and outreach activities aimed at strengthening knowledge and collaboration among members and industry professionals. In particular, the Subsea Tunnels Seminar and the summits “Innovation in reinforcement and support systems for underground works” and “Progress of underground megaprojects in Chile” were highlighted—events that consolidated CTES-Chile as a technical and industry reference in the sector.
Emphasis was also placed on strengthening member-company participation, expanding the collaboration network, and deepening ties with other organisations and institutions related to underground infrastructure, both nationally and internationally.
Regarding future challenges, the 2026 work agenda was presented, which includes continuing these initiatives and holding the 2nd Latin American Meeting on Tunnels and Underground Spaces in Lima, Peru, with a special focus on innovation, sustainability, and regional development.
Awards Ceremony: 3rd CTES-Chile Photography Contest
As part of the event, the awards ceremony for the Corporation’s 3rd Photography Contest, titled “Infrastructure for Chile’s Development”, was held. This initiative aims to showcase, through images, the contribution of underground infrastructure to the country’s development across different productive and urban sectors.
The third edition of the contest attracted more than 60 participants, who captured—through diverse perspectives—the essence and scale of Chile’s underground world, highlighting its technical, social, and territorial relevance.
The winners of this edition were:
- 1st place: Alto Maipo Hydroelectric Project Water Conveyance Tunnel – Gerald Gómez.
- 2nd place: Underground Junction, Metro Line 7 – Gina Benítez.
- 3rd place: Junction for the future Padre Hurtado Station, Metro Line 7 – Claudia Astudillo.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Luis Uribe and Ana Cooper, who highlighted the technical and artistic quality of the works presented, as well as the growing interest in portraying the country’s underground infrastructure.
Recognition of Chile’s top underground projects 2025
During the event, recognition was also given to Chile’s top underground projects developed during 2025, in a session led by Leonardo Bustamante Vega. This recognition seeks to highlight initiatives that stand out for their positive impact, innovation, and contribution to the country’s sustainable development.
Category: Sustainability and Environment
Evaluation criteria: freeing up surface space, connectivity and accessibility, response to community needs, and risk management.
Recognised project: Mapocho Urbano Limpio Collector (29 km) – Aguas Andinas.
Category: Urban Integration and Social Benefits
Evaluation criteria: ecological design, space rehabilitation, creation of new destinations and uses, functionality, adaptability, and risk management.
Recognised project: Mercado Urbano Tobalaba (MUT) – Territoria.
Category: Innovation and Technology
Evaluation criteria: construction methods, incorporation of new materials and support systems, and risk management.
Recognised project: Adit 77 – Diamante Project, El Teniente Mine.
Closing of the event
Amid laughter, conversations, and shared emotions, the day concluded with a networking cocktail reception, where members were able to exchange perspectives, motivations, and expectations regarding the future of the industry and their participation in CTES-Chile. This space helped strengthen professional ties, create new opportunities for collaboration, and renew the collective commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence in the development of tunnels and underground spaces in Chile.
