“We have designed the Los Bronces Integrated Project as an example of the very best of modern mining, bringing not only investment and jobs, but extensive protection for the environment and a considerable improvement in air quality for the broader region of Santiago,” said Ruben Fernandes, CEO for Anglo American’s Base Metals business.

LBIP is a multi-billion dollar project to develop the next phase of the existing open pit within Los Bronces’ operating site and replace future lower grade ore by accessing higher grade ore from a new underground section of the mine. The project uses the mine’s existing processing facilities, optimizes water efficiency, has no impact on glaciers and requires no additional fresh water or tailings facilities.

Following the receipt of the environmental permit, Anglo American said it will continue to progress the project through its pre-feasibility stages toward submission for approval by the Anglo board in due course.

Anglo said its copper production guidance for Chile remains unchanged, subject to water availability, which is 530,000-580,000 metric tons (mt) for 2023, 550,000-600,000 mt for 2024, and 530,000-580,000 mt for 2025.