🇨🇱 Minera Los Pelambres is advancing its Operational Adaptation Project (PAO), a strategic initiative approved in October 2023, aimed at adapting mining operations to current conditions in the Choapa Valley, Coquimbo region, Chile. With an investment of approximately US$ 2 billion, the project emphasizes sustainability in water use, operations, and community impact without increasing production or extending the mine’s life.
As of the second quarter of 2025, PAO has reached 19% completion, employing over 6,000 workers in construction. Notably, 45.4% of these workers are from the Coquimbo region, surpassing the local hiring commitment of 30%. This reflects a strong community integration strategy, with expectations that local workforce participation will rise to 70% during operation.
A key component of the project is doubling the capacity of the Los Vilos desalination plant to 800 liters per second, enabling over 90% of the water used by the mine to come from seawater or internal recirculation. This shift significantly reduces freshwater consumption and mitigates environmental impacts on the Choapa River.
Additionally, PAO includes constructing a new concentraduct with a route that distances the pipeline from urban centers, minimizing community disruption. The project also advances electrical infrastructure and civil works to support these operations.
The PAO aligns with the broader “Los Pelambres Futuro” vision, focusing on long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. It complements another major initiative, the Life Extension Project (EVU), which aims to extend mining activities until 2051 with similar investment and enhanced desalination capacity.
Economically, PAO has injected over US$ 31 million into the regional economy through local procurement in transportation, lodging, food services, and automotive supplies. This economic stimulus, combined with extensive local employment, highlights significant market opportunities and positive impacts on the mining sector.
Alejandro Vásquez, Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Minera Los Pelambres, emphasizes that PAO represents a critical phase in minimizing environmental impact while fostering local development, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable mining practices.
Overall, the PAO project represents a substantial operational and environmental advancement for Minera Los Pelambres, with strong implications for investment, regional economic growth, and sustainable mining in Chile.
Source(s): https://www.reporteminero.cl/noticia/noticias/2025/04/proyecto-adaptacion-operacional-de-minera-los-pelambres-alcanza-19-de-avance, https://web.pelambres.cl/nosotros/que-hacemos/los-pelambres-futuro/adaptacion-operacional, https://www.aminerals.cl/centro-de-informacion/2025/04/10/proyecto-de-adaptacion-operacional-de-minera-los-pelambres-alcanza-un-19-de-avance
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