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Centinela

Centinela is a large open-pit copper mine located in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, within the arid Atacama desert. It is owned and operated by Antofagasta, the Chilean mining group controlled by the Luksic family. The operation produces copper concentrate and cathodes, along with by-products such as gold and molybdenum, extracted from a polymetallic orebody. Centinela is one of Antofagasta's flagship assets, contributing significantly to the company's overall copper output alongside other operations such as Los Pelambres and Zaldivar. The mine uses conventional open-pit mining methods, with ore processed through both concentrator and cathode plants. Its output is sold into international markets, with pricing referenced against the London Metal Exchange. Centinela has been the subject of expansion projects aimed at extending its life-of-mine and increasing throughput, reflecting Antofagasta's strategy of investing in existing assets to grow production. Copper produced at the mine feeds global demand for electrical wiring, construction and renewable-energy infrastructure. The mine operates in a water-scarce environment, requiring desalination and efficient water-management systems typical of Atacama desert operations. Centinela remains central to Antofagasta Region's economy and to Chile's position as the world's largest copper producer.

Centinela News


The Codelco logo
Strike could cut November output at Chile's Centinela copper mine by half, unions say
9th October 2026 By: Reuters

The full impact of a workers' strike at Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine in Chile is expected to be felt in November, when production could decrease by half, unions said on Thursday. Labor... 


The Centinela mine
Workers at Chile's Centinela copper mine strike after talks fail
7th October 2026 By: Reuters

Two unions at Chile's Centinela copper mine rejected further contract talks with Antofagasta Minerals on Wednesday and decided to strike after government-mediated negotiations failed to produce a... 


Pit blast at Centinela mine
Unions at Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine ready for strike
30th September 2026 By: Reuters

The two main unions at Antofagasta Minerals' Centinela copper mine in Chile said on Tuesday they are ready to strike, but hope one can be averted if the company agrees to a deal during mandatory... 


Centinela mine
Workers at Antofagasta's Centinela mine reject offer, pave way for strike
29th September 2026 By: Reuters

Workers from two unions at Antofagasta Minerals' Centinela copper mine in northern Chile rejected on Monday the company's collective contract offer, paving the way for a strike. The company and... 


Antofagasta's Los Palembres mine, in chile
Antofagasta to seek enviro approval for Encierro, Volcanes exploration in fourth quarter
3rd July 2026 By: Reuters

Chilean copper miner Antofagasta plans to submit environmental applications to broaden its exploration activities for its Encierro and Volcanes projects in the fourth quarter of this year,... 


Centinela mine, in Chile
Antofagasta affirms copper production will tick up in remainder of the year
15th April 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Chilean multinational conglomerate Antofagasta has reported a strong quarter of cash cost performance, with net cash costs having been 108c/lb at group-level in the first quarter of the year.... 


Antofagasta profit jumps 52% on record copper prices
Antofagasta profit jumps 52% on record copper prices
17th February 2026 By: Reuters

Chilean miner Antofagasta posted a 52% jump in annual core profit on Tuesday, as record copper prices offset slightly weaker output, and said its increased capital spending would support production... 


Los Pelambres
Antofagasta 2025 copper output misses guidance
29th January 2026 By: Reuters

Antofagasta on Thursday reported a 1.6% fall in 2025 copper production to 653 700 metric tons, missing its guidance, as higher output at key projects was offset by lower ore grades. The miner had... 


Chilean regulator fines Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine for non-compliance
Chilean regulator fines Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine for non-compliance
26th January 2026 By: Reuters

Chile’s environmental regulator said on Friday it has fined Antofagasta Minerals about $775 000 for failing to comply with water management regulations at its Centinela copper mine. Centinela,... 


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pqt: 0.094s - ct: 0.141s - 187pq - 2rq
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