Since 2013, Andes Iron Company has been trying to start a port mining project in La Higuera, Coquimbo, north of Chile.
The project would consist of the mining site itself, its tailing, and other necessary installations for the operation process. A system of pipes will send iron and water to a nearby port and then to its destination.
The company claims that they will also build a desalination plant to have water for the mining work and to provide a part to the local community, besides offering jobs.
Dominga is still in its initial state of environmental analysis and evaluation and has had multiple setbacks up to now in Environmental Court, Civil Court, and rejections from various governments too.
What seems to be the problem with this mining project?
The project would generate an impact on a protected natural area, in which they coexist with different animal species like penguins, whales, and dolphins, among others. In spite of this, Andes Iron has failed to give a proposal that ensures that once the project is approved and begins its construction and operation, it will mitigate, prevent and take care of any environmental issue or damage that could generate in that zone.
For the reason explained before, last January 18th, the government’s committee of ministers rejected the project again.
Andes Iron says that all rejections are political (because of NGOs, and the pressure of leftist environmental groups) and that for that reason, they will go again to Environmental Court.
Regardless, in my opinion, as long as they are not able to present a plan that respects the zone’s natural ecosystem and the people living there, the project will remain on standby.
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