Glacial retreat at Los Bronces mine in Chile
Anglo American´s milestone project in Chile, Los Bronces Underground (LBU) has been highly controversial. Critics say that this operation and its expansion under the Yerba Loca nature sanctuary have damaged the continent’s glaciers, and with it the livelihoods of more than 45% of the Chilean population. This could also compromise the water supply for Santiago, as the Paloma glacier provides fresh water to seven million people in the Chilean capital, and could be polluted.
An investigation from DeSmog found that Anglo American’s project would generate 3.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases from cement production alone, which accounts for 9.7% of Chile´s total emissions.
Terra Justa (2021) “Press release – Anglo American hides the truth of its impact in Latin America” https://terra-justa.org/article/anglo-american-hides-the-truth-of-its-impact-in-latin-america/
Matt Mynard (2019) “Revealed: Anglo American Mine Expansion Could Put Chile’s Glaciers and Emissions Goals At Risk” https://www.desmog.com/2019/10/15/revealed-anglo-american-los-bronces-underground-mine-chile-emissions-glacier-environmental-disaster/