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Antofagasta plc announced on May 16, 2025, that the Chilean Environmental Authority approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its Zaldívar mine, following a two-year permitting process. This approval extends Zaldívar's mine life to 2051 and allows a transition to a long-term water supply, being either sea water or a third-party source. Zaldívar will continue utilizing its existing water supply through to 2028.
| Date | 16 May 2025 |
| Time | 10:00:00 |
| Category | Corporate updates |
| ID | 0187J |
ZALDÍVAR EIA APPROVAL
Antofagasta plc ("Antofagasta" or the "Group") is pleased to confirm that the Chilean Environmental Authority has approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted by Zaldívar for a mine life extension and water transition. The official resolution, in the form of the Environmental Qualification Resolution (Spanish acronym: RCA), is expected to be received in the coming days.
The relevant application was for an extension of Zaldívar's mine life to 2051, and a transition to a long-term supply of water, being either sea water or a third-party water source. The mine plan includes the current secondary sulphide Ore Reserves and enables, from the perspective of permitting, the development of primary sulphide ore.
Zaldívar will continue to utilise its existing water supply through to 2028, and will make an evaluation of the best alternative for its long-term water supply beyond 2028.
Antofagasta plc CEO, Iván Arriagada said: "Following two years of permitting process, and through a detailed and proactive engagement with communities, government and other stakeholders, we have achieved a result that facilitates operational continuity and employment for our own and contractor workforce, as well as for numerous local businesses that support Zaldívar in its operations.
"Looking forward, today's announcement further derisks our business, allowing us to focus on realising Zaldívar's full potential."
Investors - London Media - London
Rosario Orchard rorchard@antofagasta.co.uk Carole Cable antofagasta@brunswickgroup.com
Robert Simmons rsimmons@antofagasta.co.uk Telephone +44 20 7404 5959
Telephone +44 20 7808 0988
Media - Santiago
Pablo Orozco porozco@aminerals.cl
Carolina Pica cpica@aminerals.cl
Telephone +56 2 2798 7000
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Cautionary Statement
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance or outcomes. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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