Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking acted as one of five mandated lead arrangers of the $750 million commercial and ECA-covered tranches in a $2.5 billion senior secured debt financing package for the expansion of Minera Centinela‘s mining operations in Antofagasta, Chile.

Minera Centinela is a joint venture between Antofagasta plc and Marubeni Corporation. Upon completion, the expansion will increase Minera Centinela’s total copper production by approximately 140,000 tons per year and move it to the first quartile of the industry cost curve. The project will use 100% renewable energy and raw seawater instead of fresh water for processing.

“Natixis CIB has a proven track record of mining finance in Latin America. This transaction further reinforces our leadership in this critical industry and commitment to the global energy transition, where copper plays a central role.” Adam Hendley, global head of metals and mining at Natixis CIB, said. “We congratulate Antofagasta and Marubeni on this successful closing and thank these longstanding clients for their continued trust in Natixis CIB.”