DJ BHP Seeks Environmental Approval for Planned Chile Power Plant 

DJ BHP Seeks Environmental Approval for Planned Chile Power Plant

Nov 20, 2012 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) --BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) submitted its plans for a 540-megawatt, gas-fired power plant in northern Chile for environmental approval, the company said Tuesday.

Chile needs to double its installed power capacity in about a decade but legal battles have stalled several large projects, leaving mining companies and other industrial consumers seeking alternatives to ensure their power supply.

The diversified mining company had obtained approval for its planned Kelar power plant in 2007 and then suspended the project. It's resubmitting its plans as the previously approved plant was coal-fired and BHP now aims to use natural gas.

"BHP decided to modify its Kelar project to ensure a clean and sustainable power supply for its operations," the company said in a statement.

In Chile, BHP controls and operates Escondida, the world's largest copper mines. It also owns the Spence and Cerro Colorado copper mines.

BHP is seeking approval for construction and operation of the Kelar plant, which it hopes will come on line in 2016.

Write to Carolina Pica at carolina.pica@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-20-12 1310ET

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