The Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) granted a favorable Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) to the project called “New Routes for the Transport and Shipment of Iron Concentrates, Mariposa Mining Operation”, an initiative that seeks to incorporate the ports of Las Losas and Guacolda II, located in Huasco, as alternative facilities for the shipment of the mineral.
The proposal – submitted by the company Admiralty Minerals Chile PTI LTD Agency in Chile – contemplates establishing optional transport routes that allow guaranteeing the technical, economic and operational viability of the mining operation, maintaining the commitments established in RCA N°20/2018 and ensuring a sustainable and efficient option during the 18 years of validated useful life of the deposit.
The main mining initiative considers the extraction of iron from a site in the Atacama fault, near Vallenar, together with its processing in a magnetic recovery plant and the transport of the cargo to Puerto Punta Totoralillo, in the commune of Caldera, for its export.
Regarding the associated transport routes that will allow connection with both ports located in Huasco, according to the document, option one considered for the transfer is via the access road to Minera Mariposa, then accessing Route 5 southbound and taking a turnaround towards Vallenar, from where the C-46 route towards Huasco will be accessed.
The second alternative proposed is the use of a road to be enabled that will connect the mining operation with the C-486 highway, then continuing along the C-472 route, through which the C-46 road is accessed, at the height of the Maitencillo sector. From that intersection, approximately 33 kilometers will be traveled to access Puerto Las Losas and Guacolda II.
