In a context where social and environmental demands on the mining industry are steadily increasing, Anglo American Chile has chosen to go beyond legal obligations in the implementation of its Los Bronces Integrated (LBI) project. Located in Lo Barnechea, 65 kilometers from Santiago, the initiative aims to secure the operational continuity of one of Chile’s most historic mines, active for more than 150 years.
After years of environmental assessments and public scrutiny, the company obtained final approval in April 2023. Anglo American committed to an ambitious Emission Compensation Program (ECP), pledging to offset 150% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the project — 30% more than what is legally required.
Going Beyond Compliance
“We asked ourselves how we could create a positive impact beyond the immediate project footprint,” says Patricio Hidalgo, CEO of Anglo American Chile, to La Tercera. “We realized one of the region’s most pressing issues is air quality, so we decided to address that structurally.”
As a result, the company launched a seven-year program to replace wood-burning stoves with electric heating systems in vulnerable households across several provinces, including Chacabuco, Cordillera, Talagante, Melipilla, and Maipo. Backed by Harvard University and validated by Sofofa and the Ministry of Energy, the initiative will begin with the replacement of 1,000 stoves in 2025, eventually reaching 57,000 homes.
Additionally, Anglo American has committed to eliminating the use of fresh water in its mining process at Los Bronces by 2030.
Sustainable Productivity
When asked how the company balances productivity with environmental and social justice, Hidalgo emphasizes innovation:
“We are reinventing mining. Expectations have changed, and we must evolve. For example, we’re piloting tailings recovery technology that recycles 80% of water, improving safety and economic feasibility.”
The company has also adopted autonomous systems that increase efficiency and reduce environmental risk without sacrificing productivity.
A Call for Regulatory Reform
Reflecting on the regulatory journey of Los Bronces, Hidalgo stresses the importance of improving the permitting process in Chile:
“One of the lessons learned is that we must look beyond legal frameworks and embrace a social purpose for every project. Chile needs to accelerate its permit system — otherwise, meeting climate targets by 2040 will be very difficult.”
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