The world is more connected than ever, and mining technology and service companies are no exception. As they expand their reach globally, they need to follow their clients to new markets, from a copper mine high in the Andes to the icey cold winters of Northern Canada. When exploring new markets, it’s the classic “chicken or egg” dilemma: You want to see success before committing to the expenses of a local operation, but as soon as you start generating revenue, the risk of being classified as a PE increases.
Argentina has a healthy lithium project pipeline. There are already two projects in production with plans for expansions. This year, construction has started on several more projects and there are even more projects that are being explored.
Ecuador is emerging as a mining investment hot spot in Latin America. There is already two projects in production and some world class discoveries that should be built over the next few years. Check out the project pipeline for details.
Chile is well known globally as a copper producer, but it also has substantial gold production. Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco) predicts that gold production in the country will increase by 28.6% by 2024 due to new projects coming online.
Since 2015, Chile has dramatically increased its solar and wind capacity year over year. It has done so without any major government subsidies. The mining industry is one of Chile’s top carbon emitters but it has also been the countries best adopter of renewables.
Peru is already a great market for mining suppliers but the pipeline of future projects makes it even more interesting. Peru has grown its copper production considerably over the last 10 years. Check out our summary of the project pipeline and opportunities for suppliers.
There has been a lot of media attention about the impact that lithium produced from Chile has on the local ecosystem. To increase production, companies will need to navigate the environmental impacts of water usage and technology will be the key to doing so. Chile is the testing ground for new technologies and there are many eyes watching to see if it can accomplished.