The resulting image gives a good idea of the scale of this vast open-cast mine, 2.5 km across and 700 m deep. The mine began operating in 1960. Spoil dumps of material mined from the pit are arranged in tiers on the arid slopes of the Andes in southern Peru. The mine is linked by rail to the port of Ilo on the Pacific coast.

A 3D and optical database integrated into a GIS helps to optimize management of industrial and mining facilities, as well as aiding risk prevention.

Satellite imagery is used by surface and underground mining operators for:
-    Exploration: to identify minerals ahead of geophysical surveying
-    Operations: to monitor earthworks, stocks, mine waste and overburden
-    Risk prevention: for slope and subsidence studies
-    Pollution control: to avert surface and groundwater pollution
-    Regulatory compliance: for filing of administrative returns