Minera Escondida

In addition to applying the Integrated Management System in all operational and services facilities, Minera Escondida has developed, implemented, certified and maintained an Environment Management System (EMS) according to the ISO 14.001 standard, the objective of which is to identify and manage the environmental risks of the operation. In October 2006, the Company was re-certified under the ISO 14.001 environmental management standard.

Escondida has an Energy Efficiency Policy and a Water Management Policy that have permitted the attainment of significant achievements in the consumption of both resources. In addition, the Company is undertaking a series of studies and initiatives to improve its efficiency indicators in the use of power, and in ensuring the current and future supply of water in a reliable and environmentally responsible manner. The operation
also receives water from its seawater desalinization plant located at the Coloso Port, which also recovers process water.

Beyond preventive environmental management, the Company runs several research programs that are related to the environment. The programs regarding biodiversity have brought about an increase in the understanding of the Punta Negra salt flats and the Coloso area, as well as the satellite-monitoring program of the Andean Flamingoes, the study of the Culpeo Fox behaviour, and the behaviour of marine species in the Coloso area. The monitoring and research program carried out in the Punta Negra salt flats has made it the most studied and well understood saline system in Chile.

Also, Minera Escondida has developed a closure plan in accordance to the Closure Protocols developed by BHP Billiton Company wide. In addition and as of 2005 the Company publishes its Sustainability Report (LINK) according to the guidelines contained in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and in conformity with the indicators of the supplement for the GRI’s mining and metals sector, and the International Council for Mining and Metals, ICMM.

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