Facility

Escondida Copper Mine

Escondida (Atacama Desert, Antofagasta Region, Chile; altitude ~3,050m; BHP 57.5%, Rio Tinto 30%, JECO 12.5%) is the world's single largest copper mine, producing approximately 1.1-1.2 million tonnes of copper per year — approximately 5% of global copper supply from a single mine. Discovered 1981 by Utah International/Getty Oil geologists following geologic interpretations of satellite imagery. Opened 1990. Two open-pit mines (Escondida Norte and Escondida pit), plus sulfide heap leach and oxide operations. Escondida processes ore through two concentrators (Los Colorados and Laguna Seca) producing copper ore concentrate (25-30% Cu). The mine employs approximately 13,000 workers and contractors. Escondida's water supply system — converting seawater from the Pacific (Pacific coast ~170km away) via a desalination plant and pumping 3,050m uphill — is one of the world's largest industrial water systems. Source: BHP Annual Report 2024.