09:28 AM EDT, 03/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Freeport-McMoRan ( FCX ) is requesting regulatory approval for a $7.5 billion expansion of its El Abra copper mine in Chile that aims to boost output by over 300,000 metric tons, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

The project includes a new concentrator and a desalination plant, and expanded production is expected to start in 2033 if approved by Chile's Environmental Assessment Service, according to the reports.

Freeport operates the El Abra mine with a 51% stake, and state-owned Codelco owns the remaining 49%.

Freeport did not immediately reply to a request for comment from MT Newswires.