Name of the Project
Los Bronces integrated project (LBIP).

Location
Chile.

Project Owner/s
Anglo American.

Project Description
The LBIP is a mine-life extension project, which will expand the current openpit within the Los Bronces’ operating site and replace future lower-grade ore by accessing higher-grade copper ore from a new underground section of the mine.

The project will use the mine’s existing processing facilities and optimise water efficiency, with  no additional water or tailings storage facilities required.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The Environmental Assessment Service of Chile (SEA) rejected the permitting application for the LBIP in April 2022.

The LBIP satisfied all relevant environmental regulations,  but the SEA based 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.

This recommendation is despite the strong support for the project to date by 23 of the 25 technical services bodies and government ministries that form part of the assessment process.

On May 3, Anglo American announced that the SEA had issued its formal decision to reject the environmental permit application for the project.

Anglo American is examining the details of the decision and expects to continue following the regulated permitting process, which includes the potential to request a review by a Minister’s committee to evaluate the full breadth of merits of the project.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

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