- Preparations for EXPONOR 2026 have already begun, and on June 19, representatives of the mining-energy sector participated in an international webinar to promote investment opportunities in Chile. The meeting, entitled “Business Opportunities in the Chilean Mining Industry”, brought together the Ministry of Mining, Antofagasta Minerals, El Abra and SQM Litio.
Suppliers from all over the world interested in learning first-hand about the opportunities and challenges of the local market, met to learn about our country's mining industry. In this context, leading global companies with operations in Chile participated and shared their experiences about the market.
With the aim of positioning Chile as a destination for foreign investment, the exhibitors addressed the national mining outlook, highlighting its clear rules, robust institutional framework, qualified human capital and world-class infrastructure.The objective of this activity was to attract foreign companies interested in expanding into high-potential markets, such as Chile, which, according to Cochilco projections, could reach a cumulative investment of US$ 83 billion in mining initiatives.
AIA and EXPONOR, a bridge between Chile and the world
Marko Razmilic, president of the Antofagasta Industrial Association, highlighted EXPONOR as a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships with Chile and contribute to a sustainable and forward-looking industry.
He also added that "the Antofagasta Region exemplifies sustainable progress, aligning mining and renewable energies with solid port logistics operations and seawater desalination to support industrial needs. This synergy positions the region as a model of development and prosperity both on a continental and global scale."
The vision of the Ministry of Mining
Chile is positioned as one of the largest producers of copper worldwide, in addition to having reserves of non-metallic minerals such as lithium, of which it has the largest reserve worldwide. In this regard, Aurora Williams, Minister of Mining, said that:
"We are convinced that the future of mining is built on solid alliances: between the State, industry, academia, communities and, of course, the world. Chile wants to be part of that global network of cooperation and investment, and this day is a great opportunity to strengthen that dialogue."
Country for new projects: Minera El Abra
With world copper production at around 9% of global demand, and with operations in Asia and the Americas, with countries such as Indonesia, the United States, Peru and Chile, Minera El Abra reaffirms its commitment to the growth and development of projects in the market, to meet the growing global demand for copper, a key material for the transition to a low-carbon-emission economy.
In this regard, Gonzalo Larroulet, Sustainability Manager, indicated what the mining company has in its portfolio,"I would like to present the expansion of the Sulfolix liquefaction platform; we are also working on the design of a project that will extend the useful life of El Abra for about 40 years."
SQM Lithium: collaborative innovation and global leadership
A world leader in the production of lithium carbonate, its head of Management Control for the Supply Chain Department, Giovanna Cornejo, referred to the public-private partnership in our country, stating that "in 2024, Chile had a market share in the lithium industry of 19%. The agreement between Codelco and SQM for the production of lithium between 2031 and 2060 will reverse this projection, as it provides efficiency and continuity to the lithium business to ensure that Chile can maintain a leading position in this industry".
Antofagasta Minerals: country vision
The company located in our country has projects involving constant investment, ensuring the growth that has made it a world leader in the production of copper. Mauricio Ortiz, Vice President of Finance, defined the Chilean market as "a very well-established mining country, with a very clear regulatory framework, very stable, with challenges in the future, but we have a very clear set of rules to promote and encourage mining investment".
Finally, we remind you that if you are interested in being part of the most important mining-energy exhibition of 2026, you can register at HERE.
