Chile's state-owned copper company, Codelco, has submitted an application for an environmental permit to launch a $650 million initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable water use at its Andina mine. The project proposes redirecting water from the mine’s Ovejeria tailings, along with other sources, to the concentrator plant within the Andina division, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, thereby improving water efficiency and sustainability, the company stated on Tuesday.
"This project will enhance the availability of water resources by implementing a sustainable alternative that addresses the region's water scarcity situation. This allows us to continue reducing our environmental footprint and to confront the consequences of climate change," explained Lindor Quiroga Bugueño, General Manager of Codelco Andina.
With global demand growing for sustainable mining practices and local water resources becoming increasingly scarce, Codelco has intensified its commitment to environmentally responsible operations. Located in central Chile, the Andina project has contended with prolonged drought conditions for over a decade. The initiative will require a workforce of up to 1,650 and is projected to take about 36 months to complete.
