Chilean copper mining company Codelco has submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to local authorities proposing to invest $250m for modifying the shape of the current pit at its Andina mine.
The plan is designed to redirect mineral extraction toward zones where there are no glaciers, while still maintaining the approved size of the mine and expected output.
Following the EIA approval, the projects expected to be completed over 36 months and concerns adjustments to the open-pit and its ballast deposit.
Around 450 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the project.
Modifications made under the project will help avoid glaciers and improve the water management.
Located 80km north-east of Santiago, the Andina mine was discovered in 1920 and production was started in 1970.
The mine includes the Rio Blanco underground (block cave) mine and the Sur Sur open-pit and an underground concentrator.
According to the company, the project will keep the rest of the operations and production processes of the Andina mine unchanged.
Andina mine is reported to have produced 164,000t of copper from January to September last year.
