“Not seeing the forest for the trees” (or not seeing the geology for the glaciers): Revisiting the Pascua Lama mining project within a framework of environmental impact assessment, sustainability, and geoethical aspect

Abstract

This paper presents a retrospective analysis that mainly addresses the interplay of the geological, environmental and sustainability dimensions of the Pascua Lama mining project, located in the high-altitude Andes of Chile and Argentina. Although the project was binational in scope, this analysis focuses on the Chilean context, examining both the environmental assessment processes associated with the technical studies submitted by the mining company and the subsequent inspection and sanctioning procedures undertaken by Chilean State agencies. This is done within the broader context of the relationship of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes to sustainable development of projects, as well as actions aligned with geoethical principles, in particular in relation to a recently proposed Chilean Code on such issues. Although the results of the referred EIAs of Pascua Lama were not necessarily incorrect, too much attention was paid on aspects that proved to be not as important when compared to others that could have indeed led to major environmental impacts. The misplaced priorities, a consequence of various factors that extended beyond strictly environmental issues, created a selective attention on a problem (impact on glaciers) which hindered an adequate estimation of the magnitude and importance of acid drainage generation and metal and metalloid release to the river system, which ultimately proved to be of high relevance in the halt and closure of the project. What happened raises important lessons in terms of the use of EIA as a tool to ensure the sustainable development of mining projects, and to achieve desired outcomes consistent with geoethical or other self-imposed or declared guidelines, especially those related to the proper use of geological information to prevent or minimize the occurrence of environmental impacts, allowing the sustainable development of mining projects.