Chile's Environmental Regulator Recommended Rejecting An Extension To The Life Of Anglo American's Copper Mine.

Anglo American said on Saturday it had failed to win an extension of its Los Bronces copper project, which involves a planned investment of $3.3 billion.

Anglo American said Chile's Environmental Assessment Service had issued the recommendation, although a company decision on extending the life of the mine would not be made until next week.

"SEA's recommendation comes despite strong support from 23 of the 25 technical services agencies and government departments participating in the evaluation process to date," the company said in a statement.

Environmentalists have criticised the Los Bronces copper project near The Chilean capital Santiago because of its possible impact on glaciers and water resources.

The company is seeking to extend the mine's life to 2036.

The Los Bronces project is the largest copper mine in Chile, the world's top coexporter, producing more than 300,000 tons of copper a year.

Anglo said the adverse decision on the delay would not affect its production guidance target for 2022.