Antofagasta to invest $900 mln to extend Chile's Zaldivar mine life

Antofagasta

08/06/2026 15:06

June 8 (Reuters) - Antofagasta Minerals announced more than $900 million in investment to extend the lifespan of its Zaldivar copper mine in northern Chile until 2051, according to Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas on Monday.
The open-pit operation, located in the Atacama Desert, is a joint venture owned equally by Barrick Gold and operator Antofagasta Minerals.
     
• The $900 million investment will fund a new pumping system to integrate treated wastewater from state-run ECONSSA into the mine's production.
     
• The facility will cease the use of continental water in 2028, coinciding with the launch of the new supply system.
     
• The expansion project is expected to generate 5,000 jobs during peak construction and secure approximately 4,000 existing positions linked to the mine.
     
• ECONSSA's water reuse plant in Antofagasta is designed for a capacity of 900 liters per second and is slated for completion in 2028.

(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon, Writing by Natalia Siniawski)
((natalia.siniawski@thomsonreuters.com;))