SANTIAGO, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Chile's environmental

regulator has filed a charge against state-run miner Codelco

over alleged emissions violations at its Potrerillos copper

smelter in the Atacama region.

The Superintendency of the Environment said in a statement

that an audit showed Codelco had not implemented a monitoring

system for sulfur dioxide emissions and other procedures in

accordance with SMA standards at the facility.

The SMA labeled the charge as "serious," the second of three

levels of offenses, and said it could lead to a fine of about 4

billion pesos ($4 million), as well as possible revocation of

the environmental permit, or closure.

"The audit concluded that the system has not been

implemented. Based on all these antecedents, and after legal

analysis, the Superintendency of the Environment charged

non-compliance by the owner," the statement said.

Codelco did not immediately respond to a request for

comment.

The company has 10 days to submit a compliance plan, and 15

days to present a defense.

($1 = 981.6000 Chilean pesos)