BHP lawsuit (re Escondida copper mine, Chile)
Sources
Snapshot: In 2020, Chile's State Defense Council (CDE) filed a lawsuit in the First Environmental Court of Antofagasta against BHP's Escondida copper mine, alleging continuous and irreparable environmental damage to the Punta Negra Salt Flat. The lawsuit highlighted seven key areas of environmental harm, amongst others: severe depletion of the aquifers, deterioration of the saline substrate and total or partial loss of wetlands and vegetation. In May 2021, a court-approved agreement was reached between the parties. BHP committed to spending up to $93 million to address the environmental damage caused by overdrawing water from the Punta Negra Salt Flat. The agreement includes 19 measures aimed at mitigating the damage, such as conducting technical studies of the salt flat and developing a management plan that requires approval from the environment ministry. The case is closed.