Name of the Project
Collahuasi copper mine debottlenecking project.

Location
North of the Tarapaca region, in Chile.

Project Owner/s
Contractual mining company Collahuasi comprising Anglo American (44%), Glencore (44%) and Japan Collahuasi Resources.

Project Description
The project will invest in additional crushing capacity and flotation cells, which is expected to increase plant throughput at the Collahuasi mine from an estimated 170 000 t/d to about 185 000 t/d, adding production of about 10 000 t/y (44% share) on average from 2026. 

Further debottlenecking initiatives will expand the existing plant to the total permitted capacity of 210 000 t/d and are expected to add an estimated 15 000 t/y (44% share). 

Studies and permitting are required to be finalised for a fourth processing line in the plant and mine expansion that would add up to about 150 000 t/y (44% share) from the early 2030s.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
About $200-million (44% share).

Planned Start/End Date
First production is targeted from 2026.

Latest Developments
The Second Environmental Tribunal, intends to set aside the environmental authorisation issued by the Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) in 2021 to the independently managed Collahuasi copper mine for the Infrastructure Development and Production Capacity Improvement Project. This includes the development of a water desalination plant for Collahuasi, which is almost complete.

According to Anglo American, and the tribunal´s press release, its ruling is limited to two specific aspects pertaining to analysis on the effects on a local community and the marine environment. Collahuasi is seeking full clarification from the tribunal to determine the specific effects of its ruling, the matters that it requires SEA to re-examine, and any impact on Collahuasi’s operations. 

Based on the information currently available and subject to the existing alternative water sources for Collahuasi, Anglo American does not expect any immediate impact on production. 

Collahuasi has confirmed that the environmental permitting process for the project was conducted in accordance with local regulations and under the relevant environmental framework. The RCA was obtained in December 2021, following a rigorous assessment process led by the SEA, including the indigenous consultation defined by the competent authority. This was subsequently confirmed by the Ministers Committee in August 2023.

Collahuasi will continue to work in coordination with the relevant authorities and stakeholders while acting responsibly and in accordance with the legal framework to determine the appropriate next steps.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Anglo American group head of communications James Wyatt-Tilby, tel +44 20 7968 8759 or email james.wyatt-tilby@angloamerican.com.