Chile mining company Antofagasta, one of the country's richest families, has been hailed as a major winner in the successful push to allow mining in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. The company, which owns the Twin Metals project outside the Boundary Waters, still faces a years-long process before it can begin. However, scrutiny is increasing as the underground mine gains a lifeline. Antofaggasta, a top-ten producer of copper worldwide, has faced legal battles with locals in Chile over environmental impacts at its flagship mine, Los Pelambres. It has also received significant fines and sanctions from the country’s environmental watchdog, including a $2.3 million penalty for not correctly preserving archeological findings near one property. Researchers and observers have noted that Antfagasta's environmental record is not as scrutinized by the Chilean public as larger, state-owned mining company Codelco.