Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ed Stoddard
Published on 2024-02-22 18:59:35
The relocation of the world’s most expensive population of rodents is set to resume high in the Chilean Andes next week, as Gold Fields announced the green light to proceed with “Operation Chinchilla.” This initiative involves moving a growing population of chinchillas around the Salares Norte mine project.
Initially launched in August 2020, the operation aimed to relocate two dozen highly endangered chinchillas, a species nearly hunted to extinction for its prized fur. This relocation was a requirement of the company’s environmental permit. The plan involved capturing the chinchillas in live traps, moving them to enclosures for adaptation, and releasing them into the wild a few kilometers away from their original habitat.
However, the operation faced setbacks when two of the initial four captured chinchillas died in captivity before release, leading to regulatory intervention and the project being halted. Gold Fields revisited its approach and devised a new plan, which has received approval from regulators over time.
The resumption of the 18-month relocation program, starting next week and running until the end of May, will be closely monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the chinchillas, whose population has increased from two dozen to three dozen during the pause. The process will halt during the winter months due to the frigid conditions at altitudes over 3,900 meters, resuming in the spring.
The price tag for the relocation has increased from the initial $400,000, as Gold Fields prioritizes the animals’ safety and well-being over cost considerations. The company’s CFO mentioned that while the expenditure amounts to millions, it is a necessary investment. The overall project cost has also risen to $1.18 billion from preliminary estimates near $800 million, with the chinchilla relocation expenses being a relatively small portion.
The delay in “Operation Chinchilla” did not affect the mine’s construction plans, with Gold Fields aiming to produce gold at the site in April. The company reported a normalised profit of $900 million in 2023, signaling a positive financial outlook. The ongoing efforts to relocate the chinchillas are crucial to avoiding further delays or expenses that could significantly impact the project.
In conclusion, Gold Fields is committed to executing the chinchilla relocation operation effectively and responsibly this time to avoid any negative repercussions. The company’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of these endangered animals reflects a broader commitment to environmentally sustainable practices in their mining operations.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
