Santiago, April 5, 2025 — Anglo American has officially begun construction on the Los Bronces Integrado project in Chile’s Metropolitan Region, located 65 kilometers from Santiago. The initiative aims to secure the long-term operation of the historic Los Bronces copper mine, which has been active for over 150 years.
The company stated that construction began after completing a rigorous environmental assessment process and obtaining all necessary sectoral permits. The first phase of the project focuses on preparing new sections of the existing open pit, enabling access to higher-grade ore and allowing the mine to recover production levels that have declined due to lower ore quality in recent years.
Despite the economic significance of the project, environmental groups have voiced strong opposition, citing potential harm to native wildlife such as the endangered Andean cat and concerns about the mine’s impact on Santiago’s freshwater reserves.
In response, Anglo American Chile’s CEO, Patricio Hidalgo, emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting a robust Emission Compensation Program (PCE). The company pledges to offset 150% of the project’s emissions, exceeding the 120% threshold required by Chilean regulations.
The mining firm also announced a comprehensive management plan for the nearby Los Nogales Nature Sanctuary, covering 11,025 hectares. The plan includes reforestation and ecological restoration efforts, designed to benefit Santiago residents through improved air quality, temperature regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
The state-owned Codelco is also involved in the project, following a joint exploitation agreement with Anglo American for the Los Bronces and Andina mines. This partnership emerged after the failed global merger attempt between BHP and Anglo American earlier this year.
As Chile continues to navigate the balance between mining-driven economic growth and environmental protection, the Los Bronces Integrado project will be a critical test case for sustainable resource development in the region.
