Lawsuit over pollution that may reshape Chile's copper mining sector
In the heart of Chile's northern region, the city of Calama in Antofagasta stands as the copper mining capital of the country. With a population of nearly 200,000, it drives the economy and prosperity of its residents, thanks to the abundant mining activity concentrated in the region. However, a dark cloud hangs over this bustling city, as it grapples with alarming environmental issues and health concerns.
Chile, the world's largest producer of copper, saw its exports to China, its largest market, grow by more than 19% from 2023 to 2024. Yet, this growth comes at a cost. Calama, specifically, has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in Chile, with lung cancer rates almost three times the national average.
The environmental degradation in Calama can be traced back to the Talabre tailings dam, which has been storing waste from the Chuquicamata mine since 1952. Recent scientific studies have revealed an increase of heavy metals present in the environment during periods of heightened mining activity, with dispersion covering a radius of up to 80 kilometers.
The supreme environmental court case is seeking a ruling that the polluter, Codelco, pays for the environmental contamination, the cancellation of new permits, and studies on the health of the population that determine the degree of impacts and appropriate compensation for those harmed by the contamination.
The state, which systematically fails to safeguard public health and enforce decontamination, despite its legal obligation to do so in cases of saturation, is also under scrutiny. A coalition of 20 social organizations, the Coordinadora, is pursuing a legal claim of environmental contamination against the state in Calama.
The environmental protection organizations pursuing legal claims against Codelco in Chile due to environmental pollution in Calama include the Environmental Defense Law Center (Centro de Derecho Ambiental de Chile) and the environmental group Modatima. The claimants in the supreme environmental court case are demanding a change in the current mining model, as they believe it is causing contamination and health issues in Calama.
The supreme environmental court annulled the environmental decontamination plan due to the removal of a monitoring station that previously served as the basis for declaring the city a saturated zone. The plan, presented in May 2022, was rejected by citizens and groups including the Coordinadora, accused of being based on false scenarios and providing insufficient solutions.
Codelco, the state mining company and the world's largest copper producer, is accused of being a "state within the state" in the Chilean senate. The company's dominance in the industry raises questions about accountability and the prioritization of profits over the well-being of its residents.
The shift towards renewable energy, driven by the growing demand for electric vehicles, requires at least twice as much copper compared to traditional cars. Solar and wind energy projects require between four and six times more copper than fossil fuel-based systems. This increasing demand for copper raises concerns about the sustainability of the current mining practices in Calama.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. The situation in Calama serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible mining practices and robust environmental regulations to protect public health and preserve the environment for future generations.
