ABSTRACT
Minera San Cristobal adopted a policy of promoting technical studies and innovation to reduce the intake of aquifer water in all aspects of the mine operation. The replacement of the well casings was a costly exercise that also resulted in a water shortage during the early stages of start-up. Its corrosive character became evident when the metal casings in early development water wells collapsed during testing, ahead of mine start-up, and had to be replaced with higher quality steel. The agreements signed between the company and San Cristobal, Culpina K, and Vila Vila for resettlement and land acquisition all included requirements to build domestic water supplies and waste water treatment systems for the communities. The company anticipated handing over responsibility for domestic water supply and waste water management to the municipality of Colcha K once royalty and tax monies started flowing to the municipal government from the operating mine.
