Freeport Seeks Approval for $7.5 Billion Chile Mine Overhaul

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. submitted to environmental authorities a $7.5 billion project to quadruple copper output at its Chilean mine, as the industry looks to keep pace with demand driven by global electrification.

The overhaul of the El Abra mine includes new concentrator and desalination plants and tailings storage, the US-based company said in a statement Thursday. Expanded operations could start in 2033, potentially boosting annual output by more than 300,000 metric tons.