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Original article: ¿Convertir comunas de Malleco en baterías para explotar tierras raras en Biobío, Ñuble y Araucanía? El alerta desde Angol y Collipulli

Concerns from Angol and Collipulli: Wind Farm Expansion for Rare Earth Mining Projects?

The social media platform Llamas Verdes, based in Collipulli, has raised alarm about the potential link between the expansion and intervention of numerous wind farm projects in the regions of Collipulli, Angol, and Renaico and the proposed rare earth projects in Penco-Lirquén (Biobío Region) and Cobquecura (Ñuble). In Penco-Lirquén, the project lead is the multinational corporation Aclara Resources, while in Ñuble, the company NeoRe SpA, connected to the U.S.-based Chilean Cobalt, has applied for exploration licenses in the coastal zone.

“As the Collipulli community, we believe that early information is essential,” the publication stated. “Our town already coexists with a significant presence of forestry companies and wind energy projects. In light of news about possible licenses for rare earth exploration in the southern macrozone, it is legitimate for us to ask whether Collipulli and Angol could be involved,” Llamas Verdes added.

The organization emphasized that they do not intend to create alarm but rather to “promote transparency and the citizens’ right to be informed before decisions are made.” Therefore, they requested councillors and the municipality to inform the public about any mining applications, public statements, or mining concessions in the area, if they have received official information, and what actions will be taken to keep the community informed.

Image from Llamas Verdes

The Cancura Wind Farm: South America’s Tallest

Ironically, while communities express their concerns, the government proudly showcases the progress of the Cancura Wind Farm in Angol. According to Radio Biobío, construction is nearing 70% completion. Energy Secretary Jorge Rathgeb highlighted in a regional press meeting that the wind turbines will be the tallest in South America, with towers reaching 230 meters when including the blades, double the common height of 90 meters.

The park, located in the Cancura sector, will contribute over 33 megawatts (MW) to the National Electric System with a total of 5 wind turbines. Rathgeb described the project as “a very important milestone for clean energy generation in our country and particularly in the La Araucanía region.” Operations at the facility are expected to commence by late 2026.

The Cost of Being a Sacrifice Zone

However, Llamas Verdes questioned the costs associated with these mega-projects. “Collipulli has contributed for decades to the country’s development through its forestry activities and now also hosts wind energy projects. However, our community continues to face significant vulnerability and social needs. It is legitimate to ask what concrete benefits the communities receive,” they pointed out.

The wind turbine projects, presented as vital for decarbonization, have incurred social and environmental costs: alterations to the landscape, risk to birds and bats, modification of sensitive ecosystems like peat bogs, wetlands, and springs, and territorial conflicts over land use and noise. The blades, which have a lifespan of 20 years, are made from hard-to-recycle composite materials, posing an environmental disposal challenge.

The question that communities in the Malleco province are asking, in a context where Renaico already has a high density of wind farms—with Enel and Acciona projects adding hundreds of megawatts—is clear: What benefits do our communities receive from being sacrifice zones? For Llamas Verdes, the answer remains elusive, and the call for transparency is still pressing.

La entrada Concerns Raised Over Wind Farm Expansion and Rare Earth Mining Projects in Malleco Province se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.