January 23, 2026 • 2 min read
From the perspective of progress: A career built on innovation
“At Worley, if you want to grow, the opportunities are there.”
After nearly two decades in our team, one theme stands out for Manuel Olivares: growth. From process engineer to Portfolio Director for leaching projects in South America, his career has been defined by innovation, technical expertise and the opportunity to evolve alongside a transitioning industry.
A defining moment
First joining us in 2006, Manuel was drawn to our global reach and commitment to technical excellence. And in 2015, he reached the first of many big milestones, helping deliver a pioneering copper chloride leaching project with BHP in Chile – the first of its kind in the region.
The process has since been applied across multiple plants, setting a new benchmark for innovation in mining. “That project was incredible,” he says. “It was new technology, and we could see how it would change the way the industry approached copper. It showed me the difference we can make when we work together to push boundaries.”
Progress in practice
After taking a year to work on other projects in 2018, he returned in 2019 with new experiences under his belt, a broader perspective and a keenness to grow. “When I came back, I was more mature,” he explains. “That allowed me to step into new roles quickly, moving from Principal Process Engineer to Study Manager, then Project Manager and now Portfolio Director.”
The second big milestone came with lithium. Over the past eight years, Manuel and his teams have worked closely with one of the world’s largest Chilean lithium producers, on expanding operations in Chile. “When I started, they produced about 20,000 tonnes per year. Today, it’s ten times that,” he says. “Together, we introduced new concepts and parameters. To see it grow into the largest lithium carbonate plant in the world was something incredible.”
But Manuel doesn’t take all the credit. “None of this happens alone. It takes the strength of global and local teams working as one,” he adds.
Growing through support
For Manuel, Worley has been more than a workplace, it’s been a platform for continuous development, particularly in the strong focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
“Something I value deeply here is our commitment to life and wellness. At Worley, you’re encouraged to strengthen your technical skills, but also to explore different roles and responsibilities,” he says.
That blend of organizational support and personal drive has shaped his leadership style: one grounded in openness, empowerment and turning challenges into opportunities.
Endless potential
Looking ahead, Manuel sees huge potential in the future of mining in Latin America. Demand for copper and lithium is only increasing, and new technologies will play a central role in meeting it. “The world needs copper and lithium. We’re ready to respond to that demand,” he says. “Worley is building the capabilities to capture bigger, longer-term projects with major customers. That’s the future I’m excited to be part of.”
But those aren’t the only opportunities he sees. Manuel’s career is about more than projects, it’s about belonging to an organization where people are supported to succeed and innovation is part of everyday work. As he puts it: “At Worley, if you want to grow, the opportunities are there. It depends on you, but the organization is always ready to support you.”
