SANTIAGO, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Chilean state-owned miner

Codelco said on Thursday it would use grinding balls made from

recycled material in its flagship El Teniente mine, allowing it

to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The move, which involves a five-year contract with

Magotteaux Andino, a unit of Chile's Sigdo Koppers, is part of

efforts by the world's largest copper producer to cut its

greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030.

KEY QUOTE

"This is the first grinding ball contract that incorporates

a 100% supply model from recovered material," said Mauricio

Acuna, Codelco's vice president of supply, said in a statement

from the company.

Acuna added that during 2025, Codelco's Andina division will

gradually incorporate this same circular supply model.

BY THE NUMBERS

The manufacturing process generates a carbon footprint 53%

lower than the input previously used in El Teniente and will

allow the reduction of 40,000 annual tonnes of CO2, equivalent

to the annual emissions from about 8,500 vehicles.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)