BHP seeks to restart Cerro Colorado Mine with $1.5 billion investment
2026-07-03 10:59:49 [Print]
BHP has initiated the process to restart the Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile, with a planned investment of $1.5 billion aimed at sustaining operations for two decades.
On Wednesday, the Australian mining giant announced that it has submitted an application for a new environmental permit for Cerro Colorado. Situated in the Atacama Desert, the mine forms part of BHP's Pampa Norte division in northern Chile, which also includes the Spence operation.
The copper mine has remained idle since late 2023, following the denial of its water permit amid protests from local communities.
In its bid to resume operations, BHP said it would explore the use of leaching technologies and desalinated water. As part of its permit application, the company outlined plans to transport treated wastewater via a pipeline stretching over 100 kilometers from the municipality of Alto Hospicio to the mine site.
According to BHP, this initiative would allow the mine to operate for 20 years. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 billion.
On Wednesday, the Australian mining giant announced that it has submitted an application for a new environmental permit for Cerro Colorado. Situated in the Atacama Desert, the mine forms part of BHP's Pampa Norte division in northern Chile, which also includes the Spence operation.
The copper mine has remained idle since late 2023, following the denial of its water permit amid protests from local communities.
In its bid to resume operations, BHP said it would explore the use of leaching technologies and desalinated water. As part of its permit application, the company outlined plans to transport treated wastewater via a pipeline stretching over 100 kilometers from the municipality of Alto Hospicio to the mine site.
According to BHP, this initiative would allow the mine to operate for 20 years. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 billion.
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