Global miner BHP revealed plans to resize operations and downsize at its Cerro Colorado in Tarapaca, Chile to meet the requirements for the end of the mine’s license in 2023.
The company said in a statement that it is discussing the revised mining plans and their impact with employees and contractors at the copper mine. The changes will take place within the next four months.
The company will continue to explore development options to sustain operations past the 2023 deadline, BHP noted and production will be done using seawater instead of freshwater in accordance with its eco-friendly commitments.
Cerro Colorado is BHP’s smallest Chilean mine with an output of 51,883mt of copper in nine months, ending March 31,2020. BHP tried to sell the mine in 2018, but the deal fell through.