Socio-economic impact study for Chilean mining company

Challenge

Collahuasi mine, owned mainly by Glencore and Anglo American, is the third largest copper producer in the world. 8.2% of Chile’s copper production is from Collahuasi. Therefore, as a recognition of their potential impacts, Collahuasi commissioned Corporate Citizenship (an SLR company) to undertake a Socio-Economic Impact Study to form a deeper understanding of its impact on the economy, communities and individual livelihoods in the local area of Tarapacá, Chile.

Solution

To approach this project, Corporate Citizenship reviewed Collahuasi’s financial and management information and conducted a site visit to the mine in Tarapacá, visiting Collahuasi’s operations and surrounding communities, as well as interviewing senior management and key stakeholders affected by the business, including local unions, community associations and businesses.

Impact

The assessment was a learning process and highlighted opportunities for Collahuasi to enhance its positive social and economic impact in the future. The information gathered in the study included methodological updates for measuring direct, indirect and induced impacts, which now are included in Collahuasi’s Sustainability Report.