London-based Chilean multinational conglomerate Antofagasta Minerals announced more than $900-million in planned investment to extend the lifespan of its Zaldivar copper mine in northern Chile until 2051, according to Economy and Mining Minister DanielMas on Monday.
The open-pit operation, located in the Atacama Desert, is a joint venture owned equally by Barrick Gold and operator Antofagasta Minerals.
The $900-million investment will fund a new pumping system to integrate treated wastewater from State-run ECONSSA into the mine’s production.
The facility will cease the use of continental water in 2028, coinciding with the launch of the new supply system.
The expansion project is expected to generate 5 000 jobs during peak construction and secure about 4 000 existing positions linked to the mine.
ECONSSA’s water reuse plant in Antofagasta is designed for a capacity of 900 liters per second and is slated for completion in 2028.