Helping obtain environmental approvals to expand and extend the life of operations at a copper mine

Quebrada Blanca Phases 1 and 2 Environmental Impact Assessment

Teck wanted to update the environmental aspects of cathode production, then expand into copper concentrate production at its Quebrada Blanca mining site. For these projects, they needed to obtain environmental approval for operation under Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System. Teck brought our team in to provide guidance and support.

We conducted environmental component studies to evaluate the projects, define their environmental impacts, and propose measures to mitigate or compensate for them. Understanding the unique characteristics of the ecosystem surrounding Teck’s operations was crucial for the mitigation and compensation plan.

Additionally, we supported Teck during the development of public participation activities, strategic decision-making, and the submission of the EIAs (QB1 and QB2). During the evaluation processes, we assisted in the preparation and delivery of addenda, as well as in meetings with authorities.

Teck obtained approval to move forward with its projects, transitioning from processing supergene minerals (copper oxides) to hypogene materials or minerals (copper sulfides), and extending the operational life of the Quebrada Blanca mining site.