Kinross Gold Initiates Permitting for $1.5 Billion Lobo-Marte Project in Chile’s Atacama Region

Kinross Gold submits environmental permits for the $1.5B Lobo-Marte project in Chile, aiming for a 16-year mine life and 4.7 million ounces of gold production.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 11:50 AM EDT

Source: https://www.mining.com/

Strategic Development and Operational Workflow

The Lobo-Marte project represents a massive undertaking for Mantos de Oro Mining Company, Kinross’s Chilean subsidiary. The operational plan focuses on the sequential extraction of the Marte and Lobo pits, utilizing a heap leach plant designed for high-volume throughput. To maintain efficiency, the project contemplates a static leach pad that will expand through six distinct growth phases. This phased approach allows for scalable production while managing the substantial $1.5 billion capital expenditure required for full-scale development.

Infrastructure and Resource Management

A critical component of the permitting process involves the project's interaction with the surrounding environment, particularly the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. Kinross plans to secure its fresh water supply via a pipeline from existing wells located within an exclusion zone of the park. Energy requirements for the massive site will be met through the construction of a dedicated 220 kV transmission line. These infrastructure plans are central to the Environmental Impact Assessment, as the company seeks to balance industrial scale with ecological preservation in the arid Atacama region.

Timeline and Synergies with La Coipa

Kinross has outlined a clear transition strategy between its existing assets and the new development. Construction of the Lobo-Marte facility is expected to span 3.5 years. Ideally, mining operations would commence following the conclusion of activities at the La Coipa mine, located just 50 kilometers away. This proximity allows Kinross to potentially leverage existing regional expertise and logistics chains, optimizing the transition from a nearly exhausted site to a fresh, long-term gold producer.