Lundin Mining Corp. announced that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the extension of operations and mine life through 2040 for its Candelaria copper mine in Chile was approved by the Regional Environmental Commission of Atacama (COEVA) on September 8, 2023. Issuance of the Resolución de Calificación Ambiental (RCA) by Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental de la República de Chile (SEA) is anticipated in October 2023.
“We are very pleased to announce approval of the Candelaria Optimization and Operational Continuity 2040 EIA,” said Peter Rockandel, CEO, Lundin Mining. “This announcement is the culmination of a comprehensive process and reflects our long-term commitment to our employees, our communities, the region, and the country of Chile.”
The Candelaria Optimization and Operational Continuity 2040 EIA considers several enhancements to the current operation that will enable the extension of the mine life to 2040, from 2030 under the previous EIA, and includes various measures that will support sustainable social, economic, and environmental development within the Atacama Region. The EIA was submitted to the authorities in February 2020. Approval represents a key milestone towards successfully extending the operational life, including development of the La Española open pit. The EIA also allows for the potential development of the Candelaria Underground Expansion Project.
