Constructora San José S.A. submitted its bid to undertake the development of the El Arenal Prison project in Copiapó, Chile.

The project represents an estimated investment of US$300 million and will add 76,600 m² of infrastructure to the national prison system, designed to accommodate 2,160 inmates. Constructed on publicly owned land about 40 km northwest of Copiapó and 12 km from Desierto de Atacama Airport, the new facility aims to enhance inmate living conditions and promote social reintegration by offering modern, secure infrastructure and high standards of operation. The project, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, will provide the national prison system with a 76,600 m² area to house 2,160 inmates in 15 detention modules. The facility will include a prison health unit, an educational facility for inmates, industrial workshops, sports areas, a food production center, a photovoltaic power generation and water treatment system, administrative areas, and sufficient space for the approximately 600 Gendarmerie officers who will work there.

The future concession will have an estimated term of 25 years and includes the construction, maintenance, and operation of the new penitentiary, as well as the provision of services such as food, healthcare, and support for social reintegration. Additionally, it will encompass mandatory special services and complementary services, if applicable. According to the bidding schedule, the opening of economic bids will take place on August 26, 2025, so the concession award is expected to be finalized during Q4, which would allow construction to begin in 2028 and enter into operation in 2031.