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Anglo American Sur’s operations in Chile.
Chile’s environmental regulator SAM has imposed a $4.5 million fine on Anglo American Sur, a subsidiary of London-based Anglo American (LON:AAL), for violations at one of the five copper mines it operates in the country.
According to the authority (in Spanish), the giant miner violated 16 environmental rules at El Soldado mine, located about 130 km northwest of capital Santiago.
The breaches came to light during a mine inspection last year and are related to the management of reforestation, wildlife and rainwater, as well as to water pollution with sulphates and sodium, amongst others. Five are considered to be severe while the others were minor, the authority said in a statement.
Anglo’s subsidiary said (in Spanish) it has begun addressing all of the issues and that while it has five days to appeal the verdict, it has not yet decided whether to do so.
The company noted it has reforested about 130 hectares and will have completed more than 320 hectares by the end of the year.
El Soldado mine produced around 46,900t, 53,894t and 51,500t of high-purity copper cathodes and concentrate in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.
The division consists of an open cut mine, an underground mine, crushing plants and oxide and sulphide ore treatment facilities.
Image from archives.
Comments
Guest
The mining industry sure likes to shoot itself in the foot. It’s no wonder communities don’t want large mines nearby when they can’t even follow basic environmental rules. It’s pathetic.