Codelco Seeks Approval for $650 Million Andina Water Project

Codelco, Chile's state-owned copper giant, has submitted an environmental permit application for a $650 million project aimed at making water use in the Andina mine more sustainable. The company announced that it plans to transfer water from the Ovejeria waste and other sources to the concentrator facility located approximately 70 km away in the Andina section for more efficient and sustainable water usage. Andina CEO Lindor Quiroga stated, "This allows us to reduce our environmental footprint and continue to address the consequences of climate change." In response to increasing pressure from global customers seeking sustainable mining practices and the challenges of water scarcity, Codelco has initiated efforts to become more sustainable. The Andina project, located in central Chile, which has faced drought for a decade, will employ around 1,650 workers, with an estimated completion time of 36 months.