Chilean miner Andes Iron will begin the construction of its iron ore and copper Dominga project in the second half of this year after it received environmental clearance last week.
The company announced its move in a statement on Apr 16. Dominga has the capacity to produce 12mn mt of iron ore concentrate and 150,000mt of copper concentrate per year, according to the miner’s estimates.
The open-pit mine, which is located in the El Tofo mining District, 70 kilometers north of La Serena, in Coquimbo province, has a life of 27 years.
About 30pc of its energy needs will come from renewable sources, Andes Iron noted adding that the project will generate 10,000 direct jobs.