The proposed closure of Barrick’s Pascua Lama mining project came under strong scrutiny from Chilean public authorities during the environmental evaluation process. A total of 19 state entities submitted observations questioning different aspects of the company’s closure plan.

Among the most serious concerns are allegations that Barrick carried out works without the necessary environmental permits and that it lacks legally granted water rights to extract and reuse groundwater. Authorities also flagged significant risks related to waste management, warning that the disposal of sludge in the area could pose threats to human health and aquatic ecosystems, as well as to the fragile high‑mountain environment, including nearby glaciers.

Barrick responded to the Business and Human Rights Center invitation to comment on the allegation.