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| Antofagasta |
Chile Approves Extended Operations and Water Shift Plan
Antofagasta, the London-listed copper miner, has received environmental approval in Chile to extend the operational life of its Zaldívar copper mine through 2051. The approval, granted by Chile’s environmental authority, supports continued ore exploitation and paves the way for a transition to seawater or third-party water sources after 2028.
The company expects the official environmental qualification resolution (RCA) to be issued within days.
Project Secures Long-Term Production and Community Stability
The plan enables Zaldívar to continue producing copper from secondary sulphide ore, while creating the option to develop its primary sulphide resource. It also allows the mine to maintain its current water use until 2028.
Antofagasta CEO Iván Arriagada emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“Following two years of permitting process and detailed engagement with communities, government, and stakeholders, we have achieved a result that facilitates operational continuity and employment for our own and contractor workforce, as well as for numerous local businesses.”
De-risking Future Operations Through Sustainable Planning
This milestone ensures operational certainty and social license stability for over two decades. Zaldívar, a 50:50 joint venture with Barrick Mining, plays a key role in Antofagasta’s portfolio.
“Today’s announcement further derisks our business, allowing us to focus on realising Zaldívar’s full potential,” Arriagada concluded.
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