SANTIAGO, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Chile's Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a lower court decision ordering a fresh environmental evaluation be conducted regarding Barrick and Newmont's joint-venture Norte Abierto gold and copper mine project.

The dispute involves the potential impacts of the mine project on a nearby indigenous community.

The mining complex, situated in the northern Atacama region, was created in 2017 following the merging of the separate Cerro Casale mine owned by Barrick and Caspiche mine owned by Newmont Goldcorp, into a joint venture.

The Norte Abierto complex was previously approved in 2019 following the submission of an Environmental Impact Statement, which seeks authorization to make minor modifications to projects.

The Norte Abierto project has proven and probable reserves of 23.2 million ounces of gold and 5.8 billion pounds of copper, according to company data. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Marcelo Rochabrun; Editing by Aurora Ellis)