COMPANY BHP Escondida

DATES 2023 – 2025

COST US$ 10 Bn

BHP’s Escondida’s growth plan for the coming decades features a portfolio of around 15 initiatives, as part of BHP’s investments in Chile, exceeding US$ 10 Bn. These initiatives aim to maximize the operation’s lifespan, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the region’s economic development. Projects in various stages of study include electric trolleys for mineral transport with emission reduction, a new concentrator construction, a leaching strategy for cost and resource efficiency, technological advancements for 52 operational trucks by 2025, and potential underground mining for long-term mineral production sustainability.

COMPANY Codelco – El Teniente Division

DATES 2023 – 2030

COST US$ 7.5 Bn

The ambitious El Teniente deposit expansion project aims to intensify resource extraction, contributing around 2,000 million tons of additional reserves with an average copper grade of 0.86% and 220 ppm of molybdenum. The division plans to sustain ore processing at a rate of 137 thousand tons per day for over 50 years. The comprehensive plan includes projects such as Recurso Norte, Diamante, Andesita, and Andes Norte (formerly New Mine Level), all in the construction phase, marking significant progress toward long-term operational goals. Starting in 2024, increased investment is anticipated, driven by heightened activity levels, equipment and infrastructure replacement needs, and environmental vulnerability mitigation.

COMPANY Kinross Minera Chile Ltda.

DATES 2023 – 2027

COST US$ 1 Bn

The Lobo-Marte project by Kinross represents a significant strategic move to replace the La Coipa mine, scheduled for closure in 2026. With an anticipated production of 4.7 million ounces of gold over 16 years, Lobo-Marte stands out for its substantial contribution to Kinross’ overall production capabilities. Positioned adjacent to the existing La Coipa mine, the project is strategically located to potentially leverage operational synergies. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, aiming for first production in 2027, with an impressive annual capacity of 10.4 tons.

COMPANY Fenix Gold Limited (Rio 2 Limited)

DATES 2023 – 2030

COST US$ 235 Mn

The project consists of a new open-pit gold mine in Copiapó, Chile, that will involve a 20,000-ton daily processing rate using drilling, blasting, and cyanide heap leaching for gold recovery. Fénix Gold is a substantial investment of $ 235 Mn, with a measured and indicated gold resource of 4.8 million ounces. The project is expected to generate employment for 1,200 during construction and 550 during the 17-year operational phase, contributing positively to the Atacama Region and Chile.

COMPANY Enami Lithium

DATES 2023 – 2026 (27)

COST US$ 1.5 Bn

The lithium project overseen by Enami covers five fields in the Siete Salares area, namely La Isla, Aguilar, Las Parinas, Infieles, and Grand, spanning approximately 152 square kilometres. Initial exploration indicates a lithium metal resource potential of nearly 1.7 million tons, equivalent to 9 million tons of lithium carbonate. Among these, Aguilar and La Isla salt flats exhibit significant geological potential, with La Isla reaching grades of up to 1,080ppm at a depth of around 27 meters. Aguilar also stands out with maximum grades of 814ppm, making it one of the country’s attractive areas for lithium projects. Enami has sought a Special Lithium Operation Contract (CEOL) from the Ministry of Mining, along with an advanced preliminary environmental study, and is exploring direct extraction technologies. The plan aims to commence operations within three to four years.

COMPANY Wealth Minerals

DATES 2023

COST US$ 800 Mn

The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Kuska project in the Salar de Ollagüe, Chile, positions Kuska as a world-class lithium production operation, incorporating Direct Lithium Extraction technology (DLE). The project, based on a maiden resource report, estimates 741,000 tons of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) indicated resources. The Kuska project aims for a 20,000 metric tons per annum LCE output over a 20-year Life of Mine. The mining method involves a well field with lithium-rich brine pumping and reinjection, emphasizing minimal environmental impact.