Chilean mining minister Baldo Prokurica has ordered that the building that houses his office be disinfected using an ammonium solution enhanced with copper particles, so as to halt the spread of Covid-19 through the building.

The minister said that the copper-enhanced substance prevents wood, glass and fabric from becoming a host for pathogens.

“For a long time we have been proposing the use of copper, a Chilean product that is a powerful antimicrobial agent, to back efforts to stop the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in places like hospitals.” Prokurica said.

The solution used is being developed by Chilean company Aintech.