Chile: Teck mining company acknowledges water contamination in Andacollo
“Serious environmental damage: Teck’s Carmen de Andacollo mine has contaminated water for five years,” February 20, 2025
The Canadian company acknowledged the presence of chemicals and water seepage from its tailings dam affecting the agricultural communities of La Jarilla and Azogüe. Acting Mayor Wilson Núñez stated that “these waters contain chemical components that are highly harmful to people, animals, and local vegetation,” and called on state authorities to “carry out oversight, determine responsibilities, and protect people’s health.”...
“We regret that it took five years for the corresponding study to be carried out,” said Acting Mayor Wilson Núñez...
“We told the company a long time ago that there was water contamination, and today they come to acknowledge it and also downplay the situation. We find this attitude dismissive,” said councilor Javier Cifuentes...
The municipal council is demanding that the mining company respond by conducting internal investigations and identifying those responsible in order to clarify the situation.