Penguins and red tape: Chile says 'no' to $2.5bn Dominga mine again

Chile's government on Wednesday denied an environmental permit for the proposed Dominga iron and copper mine, siding with critics concerned over impacts to penguins and parrots at the $2.5-billion project that has sparked debate for a decade.

Chile's Committee of Ministers said the plan from privately-owned Andes Iron required special sensitivity due to the area's "unique characteristics" as a home to penguins and species in conservation categories which reduced the tolerance for risk.