- • Of the total investment made by this "North American giant" in Chile, over 50% is in the mining sector. The Antofagasta Region is the area where its companies and investors operate the most..
"... Canada will be the guest country at EXPONOR 2026, so this is the best place to talk about our exhibition," said the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams, during her participation in the annual PDAC 2025 convention in Toronto, an occasion that was marked by a rich agenda that included seminars, networking events, meetings with suppliers and representatives of the Canadian government, as well as others from Europe and Asia.
Williams also added that the PDAC was an excellent opportunity to "position Chilean mining as the strategic partner for providing critical minerals to the world," second vice president of the AIA, María Paz, and the general manager of EXPONOR, Andrea Moreno, confirmed and expressed every time they participated in the framework of the aforementioned event.
"In general, the representatives of the Canadian government, and the suppliers and entrepreneurs with whom we met, expressed a lot of enthusiasm about the Chilean mining industry and, in particular, about what our International Exhibition of Technologies and Innovations for the Mining and Energy Industries represents, in the Antofagasta Region, the mining capital of the world," said Paz.
In this context, the second vice president of the AIA and the general manager of EXPONOR held important meetings with mining industry executives from Finland and Saudi Arabia, as well as with representatives from Canadian localities, such as Manitoba, New Brunswick and Sudbury.
Canada, guest country
Canada has been part of the exhibition since its inception and continues to be among the five largest international delegations, exhibiting together with a large number of mining supplier companies that placed special emphasis on Chile, paving the way and creating commercial networks between both nations. Next year, Canada will be the guest country at the twenty-first version of EXPONOR.
“"The 2026 edition will be special for us, as we are honoured to be the EXPONOR guest country for the first time. For the Canadian Embassy, this is a reflection of the years of collaborative work we have carried out. I trust that there will be further opportunities where we can continue to strengthen our collaboration, with the premise of the common interest of Canada and Chile in promoting the integral development of the mining sector, with innovative business practices and cutting-edge technologies, compatible with care for the environment and that contribute to the prosperity of the Antofagasta Region and its people," stated Karolina Guay, designated Canadian ambassador to Chile." stated Karolina Guay, designated Canadian ambassador to Chile.
In addition, the ambassador indicated that female participation in the sector is one of her main lines of work, "we are very happy to know that the management of this initiative is in the hands of women, which supports a central theme within the Canadian mining progress plan, I refer to the promotion of female participation in the mining industry, particularly in decision-making roles in this industry. This demonstrates the great contributions that female professionals, technicians and administrators can make in favour of innovation, sustainable development and the search for solutions.""we are very happy to know that the management of this initiative is in the hands of women, which supports a central theme within the Canadian mining progress plan, I refer to the promotion of female participation in the mining industry, particularly in decision-making roles in this industry. This demonstrates the great contributions that female professionals, technicians and administrators can make in favour of innovation, sustainable development and the search for solutions."”.
Canada stands out for its global participation as producers and exporters of minerals and metals, and also for how oil and natural gas have positively impacted the development of its economy. In November 2024, Canada exported C$ 60.5 million and imported C$ 59.5 million, resulting in a positive trade balance of C$ 973,000, according to information from oec.world.
They will seek to share their knowledge and experiences with Chilean suppliers and the rest of the EXPONOR 2026 participating countries.
We also note that BHP|Escondida, Antofagasta Minerals and Freeport McMoRan Inc. have already committed their support as "2026 Strategic Partners".Socios Estratégicos 2026”, BHP|Escondida, Antofagasta y Minerals y Freeport McMoRan Inc.
