Water and Mining

Abstract

Mining is one of the main activities of the Chilean economy, contributing 11.2% of GDP. Most mining operations in Chile occur in (semi-) arid zones and at geographical high-altitude sites, aspects that are critical for mining water management. Although national mining is the productive sector that consumes the least amount of water, in some arid areas of Northern Chile it is a relevant user ranking first or second followed by the agricultural sector. In arid northern regions, water withdrawal from mining is mainly from aquifers that recharged hundreds or even thousands of years ago, which are also hydraulically connected with important High-Andes wetlands. Water use in mining has generated various social and environmental conflicts in the past two decades. Chile’s Water Code of 1981 (WC81) and its 2005 reform, as well as its Environmental Law of 1993 and its 2010 reform, allowed for a vigorous development of the mining industry at unseen growth rates. However, currently this legal framework is challenged by Chilean society. To meet future challenges, both the regulatory framework of water and the way the mining industry designs and implements mining projects in Chile must adjust to ensure that the Chilean mining activity can develop successfully and sustainably.