The recognition offered by the state institution crowns a prolific trajectory both in academics and in the development and research of mining prospecting.

In a special ceremony, framed in its XNUMXrd anniversary, the University of La Serena awarded the distinction as Honorary Members of the institution to the Civil Mining Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Geology, Francisco Ortiz Olivares, and to the Geologist Carlos Llaumett Pino. Both professionals earned this recognition due to their remarkable professional and human quality, which has also been valued by top-level scientific and professional organizations.

Francisco Ortiz began his training as a Mining Technician, graduated from the prestigious La Serena School of Mines, later completing his academic training at the University of Chile, the Colorado School of Mines and Stanford University (California). For his part, Carlos Llaumett, graduated as a Geologist at the University of Chile, collaborated as a geology professor in the 70s, in the Mine Execution Engineering career at the former State Technical University, La Serena Headquarters, predecessor directly from the University of La Serena.

In the presence of university authorities, relatives, academics, colleagues and students, the general secretary of the ULS, Mg. Sergio Zepeda, was in charge of reading the corresponding decrees emanating from the Academic Council and the agreement adopted by the Board of Directors of the corporation.

According to the documents, the University of La Serena expresses its appreciation to Mr. Carlos Llaumet Pino, for his relevant contribution to the initial exploration of deposits and mining conversion, along with his contribution to iron mining and geology research. . While Mr. Francisco Ortiz Olivares, was named Honorary Member of the institution, for his relevant contribution in the field of exploration in mining activity, contributing and benefiting both the Coquimbo Region and the country. 

For health reasons, the engineer Francisco Ortiz could not be present at the ceremony.

According to what was pointed out by Dr. Sc. Jorge Oyarzún, an academic from the Department of Mining Engineering, it would take too long to recount the merits and numerous contributions of both professionals. Among the former, Francisco Ortiz stands out for the technical perfection of his work, particularly in the preparation of geological-mining maps and in the direction of exploration campaigns, as well as for his work as Director of the Department of Economic Geology of the Institute of Geological Investigations (currently SERNAGEOMIN). In the case of Carlos Llaumett, he is recognized for his ability to recognize prospective interest in mining lands or districts, beyond previous general appraisals, as well as for the numerous successful exploration projects he has led.

Regarding the main concrete achievements of both, Francisco Ortiz was responsible for directing on the ground the exploration of a strip of possible copper mineralizations between Chuquicamata and El Salvador, a project conceived and materialized by the famous geologist David Lowell, but whose successful result, the discovery de Escondida in the Antofagasta Region, was largely due to the tenacity and good judgment put into its execution by Ortiz. This discovery, one of the main ones recorded worldwide, reported a notable growth of the country's high-grade copper mineral reserves, and revitalized national mining.

For his part, Carlos Llaumett participated in the development of iron and copper mining, and helped define the western strips of porphyry copper in northern Chile. In his capacity as Exploration Manager for Outukumpo-Chile, he led the exploration of the Zaldívar and Sierra Gorda-Catalina deposits among other prospects. In our region, as an ENAMI geologist, he carried out the first studies of the El Indio District, as well as the drilling that allowed the conversion of the small copper mine in Andacollo to a medium-tonnage project. Later, in the role of his consultant, he did the same with respect to the gold deposits of the District. As in the case of Francisco Ortiz, it is not possible to account in this space for all his geological-mining contributions. It is a recognized fact that no mining activity has as much potential to multiply value as exploration, and both achieved it to a great degree.

In emotional words, Carlos Llaumet summed up part of his life dedicated to the profession that he is passionate about. ''I feel very proud and would like to express my gratitude to the ULS for the distinction conferred, I feel honored that an institution whose mission is to capture and impart knowledge and give value and meaning to reflection, shelters me as an Honorary Member'' , he pointed.

Later, he recounted the emotions and satisfactions he has had in his career as a Geologist, touring our country from end to end and having the opportunity to investigate the bowels of the earth, discovering veins and sharing his knowledge.

For his part, Francisco Ortiz sent a thank you note, in which he stated that "the distinction that the University of La Serena grants me today has a very transcendental personal significance for me because it was in the classrooms , workshops and laboratories of the School of Mines of La Serena, precursor of this house of higher studies, where I began my professional training. In it, in addition to receiving valuable knowledge and wise teachings given by my well-remembered teacher educators, I was able to temper the desire for personal improvement and perseverance necessary to achieve advanced goals, both in terms of continuing my studies in Chilean and foreign universities, as well as to successfully complete my professional work developed mainly in the field of mine geology and exploration of metal deposits,'' he said.

Finally, Ortiz expresses his gratitude for the nomination and designation as an Honorary Member. ''This fills me with great satisfaction and deep pride and, in a certain way, closes for me the great cycle of my professional life, because by receiving this recognition I experience the magic of returning to the roots of my beloved La Serena School of Mines. , where I began my training and forged my most precious youthful dreams,'' he said.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of a medal and an honor diploma for both, by the academic vice-rector of the University, Dr. Jorge Catalán Ahumada, on behalf of the Rector, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés, in addition to an award given by the president from the College of Geologists of Chile, Patricia Narváez.

As Oyarzún confirms, ''naturally, both are role models for new professionals, both in terms of the rigor and quality of their work, their dedication throughout their lives, and their ability to serve the country and their companies, with a broad vision of the possibilities opened up by our rich geological nature''.