Chile’s environmental regulator has initiated four charges against the Los Bronces copper mine, operated by Anglo American, for failing to comply with environmental permits.
Key Highlights:
Charges Filed:
The Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) announced the charges, which could result in fines totaling nearly 17 billion pesos (approximately $17.17 million).
One charge is classified as “very serious,” the highest level of offense, related to noncompliance dating back to a 2014 sanction.
Background on Noncompliance:
The SMA found that Anglo American Sur, the local unit responsible for Los Bronces, had not addressed acid drainage issues at the Esteriles Donoso tailings deposit.
The SMA noted, “The company has not implemented a definitive solution … it constitutes a repetition of acts previously sanctioned.”
Current Status of Tailings Deposit:
Anglo American stated that the tailings deposit is not currently in use and that it submitted a request for an environmental permit in October to rectify the issue.
Additional Charges:
Two charges categorized as “serious” involve:
Failure to design a mitigation system for acid waters downstream of the Esteriles deposit.
Lack of measures to control seepage in the Las Tortolas tailings dam.
The company is working to enhance the hydraulic barrier to improve seepage control.
Reporting Violations:
The SMA also found that Anglo American failed to provide complete data regarding water and tailings, which was classified as a “minor” violation.
Next Steps for Anglo American:
The company has 15 days to present a mitigation program and 22 days to contest the charges.
Previous Charges:
Earlier this month, the SMA filed three additional charges against Anglo American concerning violations at its El Soldado copper mine in the Valparaiso region.