Codelco Seeks Permit for $800 Million Gabriela Mistral Mine Expansion

Chilean state-owned copper giant Codelco has submitted an environmental permit application for an $800 million expansion of its Gabriela Mistral copper mine, aiming to extend its lifespan by over two decades, as reported by Reuters.

The project, if approved, would extend the mine's operations beyond 2028 to 2055 and eliminate its reliance on domestic land-based water by 2035. Codelco plans to switch to alternative water sources that meet environmental standards, although the specific sources remain unspecified.

Gabriela Mistral, one of Codelco's smaller mines, employs nearly 4,000 people and produces approximately 110,000 metric tons of copper annually. The proposed expansion involves transitioning from oxide ore extraction to sulfides, incorporating salt into the leaching process to enhance copper recovery rates.

The move comes as Codelco navigates production challenges following two years of low output, attributed to delays in major expansion projects. This expansion is strategically important for Codelco, aiming to offset the impact of these production shortfalls.

The Gabriela Mistral mine's transition to seawater for its operations aligns with a broader trend in Chile's copper industry, where companies are increasingly turning to desalination and seawater pumping to minimize the environmental impact of water extraction from freshwater sources. Codelco's commitment to providing an equivalent volume of water to the Antofagasta region, where the mine is located, underscores its efforts to mitigate any potential water shortages associated with the expanded operation.