Rio Tinto approves US$1.03 billion investment in Escondida Water Supply Project

Rio Tinto holds a 30 per cent interest in Escondida. The project will provide a sustainable supply of water for the new OGP1 copper concentrator approved in February 2012, while minimising Escondida’s reliance on the region’s aquifers.

Construction will commence in July 2013 with commissioning scheduled in 2017. The project will include two pipelines, four high pressure pump stations, a reservoir at the mine site and high voltage infrastructure to support the system. Rio Tinto’s investment will be funded through the company’s share of Escondida’s cash flows.