BHP Forced to Cut 35 Jobs at Chilean Cerro Colorado Mine

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The BHP Group announced its decision to cut more jobs at the Chilean Cerro Colorado copper mine. It must be noted that the mine has been hit with issues with respect to access of underground water supplies, following a court ruling, thus impacting mine operations.

The court ruling prevents the company from drawing water from the nearby Lagunillas acquifer for a period of three months. Consequently, BHP announced that it will modify its operations at the mine to reduce the impact. At the same time, the company is seen evaluating its legal options against the ruling, which is feared to impact the mine’s previously announced $467 million operational continuity project.

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BHP announced that it will halt operations at one of Cerro Colarado’s plants, whereas the other facilities will see limited operations. It will offer vacation time for some workers and offer work-from-home mode for others. The mine cut 35 direct jobs, as part of the previously launched de-escalation plan in 2020.

The indigenous communities allege that water pumping to run mine operations has almost dried out high-altitude wetlands around its operations.

It must be noted that the environmental license for the mine is due to expire next year. The mine had produced 68.9 metric tons of copper in 2020.