With the aim of promoting foreign investment in the most important sector of the Chilean economy, EXPONOR, in conjunction with Mining Suppliers Trade Associations Canada and the Chilean Embassy in Canada, held the webinar "Opportunities in the Chilean Mining Market" on June 12.
During the event, the exhibitors addressed the current outlook of mining in Chile, highlighting its legal stability, wealth of national lands and sustainability. 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 US$ 83.181 billion in cumulative investment by 2033.
The event brought together Canadian and international investors interested in learning first-hand about the opportunities and challenges of the Chilean mining market, one of the most important in the world. In this context, companies with operations in Canada and Chile, Teck and STG Mining, shared their experiences with the mining market and how to enter this sector, while InvestChile, was in charge of presenting the challenges and opportunities offered by our country.
Canada and InvestChile
The North American country is positioned as one of the largest investors in our country, with a participation of 50% in national projects. In this regard, Juan Carlos García, Chilean ambassador to Canada, said that "Through our InvestChile team at the Chilean embassy in Canada, we are available to accompany you on this journey of exploration and operation, working together towards long-term growth. I would love to see more Canadian companies in Chile".
Christoff Janse, InvestChile investment promotion executive, indicated our country’s main challenges, stating that"the critical areas that present investment opportunities are water efficiency and desalination, energy efficiency and tailings management, in addition to critical points of the supply chain such as conveyor belts, mill coating, grinding, mining flotation, lime, OTR tires and DLE technology (lithium)".
STG Mining Supplies
Based in Chile and present for over 10 years in the mining sector, the Canadian company STG Mining Supplies has consolidated its presence in our country. Its general director, Adrian Garcia, commented on how they entered the Chilean market. "Actually, there were no problems with processing all the paperwork or documentation. I think that beyond that situation, it was more about the customers or this industry, in particular those who were willing to give opportunities to test products".
Teck
An international company already based in Chile and currently operating phase 2 of Quebrada Blanca, which began operations in 2023. Sebastián Sotomayor, business management and administration director, set out the challenges of a mining operation of this scale, stating that "From a technical point of view, one of the main challenges is working with new areas, such as the boat loader or the waste dump".
Thus, EXPONOR 2026 begins to take shape as the most important exhibition of next year, with Canada as the guest country. In addition, the next international webinar has been announced, which will be held on June 19, at 11:00 a.m. (GMT -4). Those interested can register through the EXPONOR networks.
