Mining opportunities offered by Arica and Parinacota
Large mining are exploring the area for some years. Authorities believe there is great potential to develop mining. It is estimated that in the next decade can have major tasks similar to those in Antofagasta
New opportunities for mineral development is offering Arica and Parinacota. The region has not developed large scale mining, but it has been an investment hub for projects of medium and small-scale mining.
Thus it is explained by the Mining Minister Hernán de Solminihac, who notes that in the administration of Sebastián Piñera there was a Development plan for the Region XV, whose major axis is to promote agriculture, services and tourism, important for growth of the region, as well as promoting non-conventional renewable energy and sustainable mining. “Mining is the engine of development in Chile. The strength of the industry can be seen clearly in the northern regions of the country, such as Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama and Coquimbo. However, now the Region of Arica and Parinacota is also starting off quiet, as mining ministry, we hope to support in its realization, to offer a real alternative to economic growth, “he says.
The mining region’s SEREMI, Alfredo Arriagada says that thanks to new environmental regulations, started in 2010 with the creation of the new Superintendent of the Environment (SMA), could also open the opportunity to develop the mining business . “With the new rules, companies must commit to develop projects that are able to mitigate, compensate and remedy any significant environmental impact on the environment,” he explains. He adds that this “most powerful rules, we could go where people explain this new focus. We said we want to exploit the resources, but this will not be done in any way “.-
Arriagada explains that there was no political will to develop this industry before, because, in his view, the potential has always existed. “There was no reason to think that the region does not have minerals that could be developed in the future. This , considering that indeed mineralogical cords were on the south side , as Antofagasta and Iquique , passing to the north , “he explains . Industry sources said a sticking point for the mining industry is that there are many protected areas in the region and also a large number of indigenous communities. When asked , Arriagada explains that through the regional quartermaster an opinion survey was made , where 93 % of the population agreed with that mining should become the new center of growth in the region as it would bring benefits became . “Today there are some communities that have reached agreements with mining companies to do exploration, and it seems to us that it is important , because we have gone to get together and report in a transparent manner ,” says Arriagada .
Mining Potential
For the portfolio, “Arica and Parinacota has important potential exploitation, especially towards the mountain range, where it would be feasible to exploit large scale copper, gold, silver, and sulfur borates” explains De Solminihac.
He adds that the central bank described the area as “mining area”. This indicates that the contribution of mining to regional GDP reached $ 58,340 million in 2012.
The new boom is already reflected. In fact, there has been an increase in concessions to explore. In 2011, the increase was 63%. Another impact is already being felt in the region is paying patents. De Solminihac explains that in 2008, revenue from payment of license for exploration and development reached $ 286 million, a figure that rose to $ 2,217 million in 2013 (+530%). “In finding that over 50% of the territory of Arica y Parinacota is covered with exploration concessions, placing the region among the top three in the country at that element, its mining potential is confirmed from the experience of other regions of the North “says the manager of the Mining Research Council, Tomás Morel.
Estimates are auspicious. Arriagada explains that if conditions permit and if they find reserves justify lifting a mining project, “we hope to have for the next 10 years, a major mining operation, such as exist in region II.” Make not expect Escondida (BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto), private mining world’s largest copper, but operations such as Cerro Colorado (BHP Billiton) or El Tesoro (Amsa).-
But De Solminihac is more optimistic. “There are opportunities and land grading 2.5% and even more soluble copper at Pampa Camarones and diversity of minerals in the province of Parinacota, where copper silver and manganese can be developed, among others,” he explains. In the Andes, explains the Mining’s SEREMI, as the area of Shrimp, occurs more underground mining situation shading into the high mountains, where you can take open pit deposits. And it is in this area where most of the mining would be exploring, he said.
Large Mining
In the area large mining are already working. “We managed to interest large companies, are seven: Rio Tinto, Teck, Anglo American, Antofagasta Minerals (Amsa), BHP Billiton, Codelco and Southern Copper (see graphic),” says Arriagada. In total, miners have invested $ 27 million since 2010 to date. Of these, Rio Tinto is far more advanced, says the SEREMI as they would be able to conduct a campaign of exploration (deeper exploration phase).
For BHP Billiton, company which announced in 2012 the start of early explorations in the region, “has had results that did not want to leave. Almost all has been probing the foothills, “says Arriagada.
Meanwhile, Codelco said they were exploring three years , but are unable to move forward because the results were not entirely satisfactory . They add that the conditions did not give to be able to make a major project . This added to the complicity of the location , Quebrada Mocha, also hinders future implementation . Codelco adds that they will continue to analyze the samples, but they will not engage further explorations in the region for now. Further back are the work of Amsa, who recently established mining a mineral property and has already begun to do surveys , detailed the SEREMI. A special case is Southern Copper. The mining exploration campaigned covering 14 wells and achieved positive results. However, the company explained Arriagada, is awaiting the decision of the court on the draft Los Pumas (U.S. $ 100 million) , a manganese mine was paralyzed by the community and should be resolved in the coming months .-
Source: La Tercera
