Chilean Committee of Ministers ratifies US$ 5.8 billion in investment projects

Chile's Committee of Ministers has upheld the environmental permits for two major investment projects totaling approximately US$ 5.8 billion.

The first is the Aguas Marítimas de Cramsa desalination project in Antofagasta, valued at US$ 5 billion. The committee rejected appeals claiming the project failed to account for impacts on indigenous communities, seismic risks from tunneling, and the effects of brine discharge on marine sediment.

The second is the EFE Trenes de Chile railway extension project, which will connect Valparaíso, Quillota, and La Calera with an investment of US$ 811 million. The committee dismissed a claim by Ferronor, which argued the project significantly impacted its land, infrastructure, and railway operations between La Calera and Iquique.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the Convento Viejo II project by the Ministry of Public Works in O’Higgins, deciding to leave its existing environmental permit without modifications.