Colombia always had the potential to become a major mining jurisdiction but the mining sector is now completely frozen. There is a high level of uncertainty due to the governments push to reform the mining code, create a state mining company, and new a environmental decree.
A great oppportunity for technology and service providers. Antofagasta Minerals has been very bold with deploying technology which are focused on electrifying its mines, automating its equipment, and using sensors and software to improve the various mining processes. Now, Minera los Pelambres, has launched a “Technologies for Competitiveness” challenge, which sets out to search for the latest technologies that will increase productivity levels in all its processes.
Working with local partners can be a cost-effective way of entering a new market but it also carries risk for foreign companies. It is important to take your time to find the right partner and then support them properly to maximize their efforts. Check out our advice.
Mining technology and service companies looking at Latin America need to decide on the best way to service the region. One of the first decisions that companies need to make once they confirm a market has potential is whether they will work through partners or sell directly to the mines.
Southern Copper announced that the Tia Maria project is scheduled to start construction before or by early 2025, with operations expected to start in 2027. This is a big win for the Peruvian mining industry since the project has been the poster child for community opposition that the country has been dealing with over the last decade.
BHP’s bid to take over Anglo American is for the large part about increasing copper exposure. We take a deeper look at Anglo’s Latin American operations to understand how they play into BHP’s strategy to acquire more copper production.
The Peruvian Energy and Mines Ministry (Minem) recently released their updated forecasts on the project pipeline which now consists of 51 mining projects that include an investment of US$54.5 billion. We outline the new projects added to the list this year, as well as those that are projected to go into construction for 2024.