My name is Paolo Palma Torriani, I am 33 years old, and I have a beautiful family with my partner and our daughter. I am a Metallurgical Civil Engineer from the Universidad Católica del Norte, and I have nearly ten years of experience in the mining industry.
I have been part of ME Elecmetal for the past seven years, and I currently serve as Deputy Commercial Manager for the Northern Zone. In this role, I lead a diverse team that brings together fresh perspectives and solid experience. My responsibility is to develop and execute the commercial strategy for the region and ensure we achieve our objectives.
Beyond results, my focus is on developing talent, building an autonomous team, and fostering a culture capable of solving complex challenges—always with a strong emphasis on safety and creating sustainable value for our customers. Today, we are also working to standardize how we operate to further elevate the quality of our service.
At the end of 2017, I was working as a Trainee Engineer at a mining supplier, supporting the commercial area from a technical perspective. During a site visit, I met the person who would later become my boss and mentor at ME Elecmetal. In a brief conversation—almost in passing—he said something that stayed with me: “You have a strong understanding of the grinding process.”
A few weeks later, he offered me the opportunity to join ME Elecmetal as a Sales Engineer in Calama. That challenge allowed me to combine my technical knowledge with the commercial side of the business. It transformed how I saw the industry—giving me the opportunity to create value for customers from a more comprehensive perspective.
Over time, my leaders helped shape and strengthen my commercial capabilities, preparing me—subtly but consistently—for greater responsibilities. That trust was fundamental to my growth.
ME Elecmetal has a culture that is deeply people-centered, while also strongly committed to delivering value for the customer. Solving complex challenges collaboratively is part of our DNA. We believe in continuous improvement, in learning from mistakes, and in creating safe spaces where growth is encouraged.
Internally, I have experienced a culture enriched by mentors and leaders who trust, support, and challenge you. They encourage you to be prepared, to think through alternative scenarios, and to strengthen your judgment. That spirit—human, demanding, and developmental—is one of the strongest hallmarks of our organization.
In addition, hybrid work has allowed me to maintain a healthy balance between my professional and family life, which is very important to me.
What I value most is that at ME Elecmetal, people are truly at the center of decision-making. In challenging moments, support is felt at every level, and there is a genuine commitment to caring for one another, growing together, and building strong teams.
I also value being part of a global organization, with a presence in China, South Africa, Peru, and the United States, among other countries. This network creates opportunities not only for collaboration but also for continuous learning.
In my case, participating in the “Destacados Program” allowed me to travel to North America, visit facilities, share methodologies, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact and international reach we have as a team
One of the most significant achievements was developing a tailored solution for a customer we had been unable to work with for years. After a long period of effort and perseverance, a concrete opportunity finally opened up.
The challenge was substantial: to increase the life of a SAG mill by nearly 50% and implement the solution within a very tight timeline. The project required alignment across multiple teams—commercial, engineering, planning, plant operations, and logistics—all working toward a shared goal.
The result not only met expectations but also strengthened our relationship with the customer and demonstrated our ability to innovate and deliver with excellence. It marked a turning point and reinforced the importance of resilience, preparation, and cross-functional collaboration.
“I have experienced a culture enriched by mentors and leaders who trust, support, and challenge you. They push you to be prepared, to think through alternative scenarios, and to strengthen your critical thinking. That spirit—human, demanding, and developmental—is one of the most powerful hallmarks of our organization, helping us solve complex problems and meet our customer’s needs.”
— Paolo Palma, Deputy Commercial Manager for the Northern Zone, ME Elecmetal Chile
Our approach is grounded in being present in the field, understanding the real conditions and challenges of each operation. From that proximity, we co-create solutions and become an active part of our customers’ strategies.
We operate with a mentorship-based structure, where experienced team members support and guide newer professionals. This ensures continuity, agility, and a culture of learning that multiplies across the team.
Through this model, we have led initiatives in automation, new materials, and digitalization, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the mining industry.
What motivates me most is seeing my team grow—replicating the same mentoring culture that shaped my own journey.
Above all, what excites me is that at ME Elecmetal, the future is not written—we are the ones who build it. Every customer visit, every meeting, and every conversation is an opportunity to define a new standard for mining.
Years ago, the idea of performing a liner change using robots seemed impossible—today, it is a reality. That pioneering spirit reflects our commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and challenging the status quo.
The future of ME Elecmetal is an open space full of possibilities—and being part of building it is what inspires me most.
