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.
Copper is getting more difficult to find and process at a time when the world is facing a copper crunch with demand expected to outstrip supply in the near future. New technology developments for the copper industry could help the world meet demand while lowering energy and reducing water usage. Check out our article that covers some of these technologies and how they are being deployed in Latin America.
Argentina is blessed with natural resources, but the mining industry still remains relatively underdeveloped compared to its neighbors. This is set to change over the next few years with a renewed focus by industry players who see the potential of world class copper and lithium deposits.
When sending staff to do work in Chile, our clients often ask us whether a work visa or simply a work permit is needed. There are different matters to consider when determining which one is needed. We have provided a brief overview to help companies understand the differences.
2023 could be a pivotal year for the mining sector in Ecuador with projects advancing and companies committing to construction start dates. Check out our update for the latest news on the how the country is developing its mining sector.
Los Andes Copper recently released their prefeasibility study for its Vizcachitas project. It is a notable project to follow since it is one of the few greenfield projects to advance in Chile these last few years.
Although large miners may get more attention, medium size miners have an important role within the mining industry that should not be overlooked. The Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco) recently released a report that estimates investment in medium size operations for the period 2022-2031 will total approx. US$2.6 billion.