• The webinar "Business Opportunities in the Chilean Mining Market", organised by EXPONOR to promote investment opportunities in Chilean mining, was held on 16 October. The event brought together key players in the sector, such as the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), SONAMI, SQM and Escondida | BHP, with a view to its 2026 edition, and highlighted Chile's potential as a destination for mining investment

Business and investment agencies, embassies, and companies from all over the world that are interested in learning first-hand about the opportunities and challenges of the national market, gathered to learn about our country's mining industry. In this context, companies such as SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal and Escondida | BHP, with operations in the Antofagasta Region, shared their experiences in the market.

EXPONOR aims to position Chile as a key destination for foreign investment. In this context, exhibitors from leading companies met to analyse the national mining outlook and the opportunities offered by the Chilean market. According to COCHILCO projections, investment in mining initiatives in the country could reach USD $83.181 billion by 2033.

Mining associations and the country's opportunities

Marko Razmilic, AIA president, highlighted EXPONOR as a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships with Chile and contribute to a sustainable and forward-looking industry. "EXPONOR 2026 will be a key opportunity for domestic and international supplier companies to learn about the challenges of the industry and access business opportunities with the main mining conglomerates present in the area and in the country, as well as their value chains", Razmilic said.

For her part, Carolina Vásquez, general manager at SONAMI, mentions that when Chile reached a peak in mining production in 2018, it became necessary to develop new mining policies and improve the internal processes of each company. "Due to technological progress and digitalization, the copper and lithium developed in our country are key to these processes".In addition, she emphasized the importance of strengthening the economy and continuing to develop policies that accompany it.

SQM: New opportunities for technological development

Rodrigo Vera, Vice President of Planning and Projects at SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, the world leader in the production of raw materials necessary for innovation and technological advances, said that the company is searching for and exploring new iodine deposits.

"Our Iodine Plant Nutrition division is investing in various areas such as safety, exploration, research and development, environmental regulation, and mining equipment",Vera said. These areas will be clear opportunities for suppliers that are interested in becoming part of the mining and energy value chain.

The world gathers at EXPONOR

Alicia Reyes, deputy commercial manager for the exhibition, said that for this 2026 edition they are expecting 1,200 exhibitors, 45,000 visitors and 30 participating countries. This positions the exhibition as the most important event in the mining and energy sector next year.

"It’s a unique opportunity to grow your business and expand your network of contacts in the global mining epicentre. We have key opportunities in which you’ll be able to interact with global leaders in the field that support us as strategic partners"said the deputy manager.

Escondida | BHP: Working with suppliers from around the world

With a growth of 4.9% compared to the previous year, Chile continues to be the world leader in copper production. Escondida | BHP, together with its sister operations in our country, is positioned as one of the main copper producers in our country.

In this regard, Cristóbal Marshall, Head of Procurement at Escondida | BHP, said that next year the company seeks to invest 10 billion dollars in projects, mainly those involving the ability to move material and increase the capacity of its concentrators.

During its fiscal year, it made 5.227 billion dollars in purchases from 1,925 suppliers. "EXPONOR is the key platform for connecting with suppliers from around the world, and we have many investment opportunities that we present at these events and during the exhibition."

Next year's most important mining-energy exhibition

EXPONOR has business roundtables, site visits, technical talks, seminars, and technical visits. In addition, it is supported by its strategic partners Albemarle, Antofagasta Minerals, Capstone Copper, CODELCO, El Abra, Escondida | BHP, Glencore, Pampa Norte | BHP, Sierra Gorda SCM and SQM.

This 21st edition is sponsored by key entities such as APRIMIN, the Consejo Minero, Generadoras, InvestChile, the Ministry of Mining, the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, the Ministry of Energy, ProChile, SOFOFA and SONAMI.

For more information, follow their social networks or check the official media such as Minería Chilena and El Mercurio de Antofagasta. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this leading mining and energy event!

Book your stand today at www.exponor.cl or write to reservas@exponor.cl and be part of the global mining transformation.