The Chilean state miner has terminated its contract with SNC-Lavalin at its Chuquicamata mine, accusing the engineering firm of failing to comply with work commitments.
The Silangan copper and gold mine could be Philex's biggest source of revenue after its 61-year-old Padcal mine in the north is expected to close in 2022.
The operation is expected to be the third-largest copper mine in the U.S., employing about 500 people and accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s total copper production.