"Escondida New Concentrator" is a ~US$5 billion investment plan in Chile that will underpin operations over the coming decades from the world’s largest copper mine and copper resource.

Escondida | BHP today submitted the "Escondida New Concentrator" project to the Environmental Assessment System as part of the Investment Plan to underpin operations for the coming decades.

The new concentrator will involve an investment of US$4.4 – 5.9 billion and aims to replace the production capacity of the historic "Los Colorados" plant by installing new capacity to produce 220 – 260 kt per annum of copper. Los Colorados is approaching the end of its operating life and will subsequently be demolished.

Project

The new concentrator is a central part of the investment plan. Its implementation will have a significant impact on supplier development and job creation during the construction phase. An average of 2,500 workers per month is projected during the project construction, with expected monthly peaks of 6,000 people.

If environmental approval is obtained, the project will require a multi-year construction program with potential first production expected from 2031 to 2032.

The new concentrator will enable Escondida to maintain its overall processing capacity of 460 ktpd of ore, allowing production to remain within currently approved levels