Photo: Anglo American
A Chilean environmental regulator has recommended that Anglo American’s permit application to extend its Los Bronces copper project not be granted.
The global miner said the Environmental Assessment Service of Chile (SEA) confirmed that the $3.3 billion project “satisfies all relevant environmental regulation but bases its adverse recommendation on an alleged lack of information during the evaluation process to fully remove any doubts about a potential risk to public health.”
The Los Bronces extension project will expand the current open pit within the operating site and replace future lower grade ore by accessing higher grade ore from a new underground section of the mine. Anglo American said the project would use the mine’s existing processing facilities, optimize water efficiency, and require no additional water or tailings storage facilities.
The company is seeking to extend the life of the mine through 2036.
Anglo American said the SEA recommendation is despite strong support from “23 of the 25 technical services bodies and government ministries that form part of the assessment process.”
A firm decision on the permit application is expected next week.
Sources: Anglo American and Reuters