Scope:

The Compañía Portuaria Mejillones won the Concession to build and operate a new terminal at Mejillones, in the second region of Chile, to the north of Antofagasta.

The Concession is for a 30 year period, renewable for 10 further years. The first stage of port development comprises the construction of a three berth multi-purpose terminal at a ‘green field site’ principally to export copper cathodes produced inland.

The Port Company has successfully negotiated a loan from the IADB to help finance the first stage of the project. As part of the loan agreement, the IADB has appointed Halcrow to undertake environmental, social, and health and safety audits during the construction and operation of the scheme to the end of the loan period, estimated to be 15 years. The construction and operation of the port can potentially impact adversely on the local area and residents in Mejillones. However, there are also long term, economic benefits to be gained through the successful development of the port.

Financed by:

Compañia Portuaria Mejillones

Key Factors:

	Review of environmental and H&S management plans; contingency plans; monitoring reports, etc
	Four monthly audits during construction
	Annual audits during operation
	New port development