On January 17th, 2003 Global Response reported that letters and local and national opposition in Chile contributed toward a decision by the Regional Environmental Commission (COREMA) to require Canadian mining company Noranda Inc. to submit new information on the potential environmental impacts of its Alumysa aluminum plant, proposed for construction in the pristine Aisen region of Patagonia.
In response, Noranda asked COREMA to delay its evaluation of the company's Environmental Impact Study until November 2003. This is the second time Noranda has asked for an extension in order to address questions and criticisms raised by environmental experts and organizations opposed to the project. Noranda's plan includes construction of an aluminum processing plant, three large dams and hydroelectric plants, a port in Chacabuco Bay, an industrial landfill, the construction of a 94 kilometer road and 79 kilometers of electricity lines, at a cost of US.7 billion - the largest private investment ever proposed in Chile.
The Aisen community declared itself a “Reserve of Life” in hopes of protecting its pristine temperate rainforests, lakes, wetlands, rivers and coastline from industrial development. The community proposes the development of ecotourism, organic farming and ranching as alternatives to Alumysa, which, they say, will benefit a multinational corporation at the expense of their environment, public health and potential for tourism development.
