Anglo American to halt fresh water usage at Los Bronces mine by 2030

Anglo American PLC plans to stop drawing fresh water for its $3.3 billion Los Bronces copper mine in Chile by 2030 as the company is working on a project that will allow the operation to use desalinated and recycled water instead.

Anglo American Chile CEO Aaron Puna said Los Bronces may no longer need fresh water as early as the middle of the decade, Reuters reported June 15.

The U.K.-headquartered company stressed the viability of the project and said it is willing to cooperate with relevant authorities for the required environmental measures, according to the news wire.

Anglo American is attempting to convince a government committee headed by the environment minister to extend Los Bronces' mining permit after being rejected earlier this year. The mine has been a subject of criticism due to its potential impact on a local glacier and possible threat to water supply in the region.

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