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.
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.
Brazil is an important mining market that provides some attractive opportunities to mining suppliers. The country’s mining association Ibram has recently released its report projecting an increase in investment from US$40.4bn to US$50bn for the 2023-27 period.
Each year, the Chilean Copper Commision (Cochilco), publishes a report that analysis junior mining investment. We have provided an overview of their 2022 report which gives us insight into the health of the Chilean junior mining market.
Albemarle and SQM are the only lithium players with producing assets in Chile. The good news is that this could change with a recent announcement from CleanTech Lithium, who has recently announced positive results from its Laguna Verde Scoping Study
El Domo is expected to be the next Ecuadorian mine to be built starting in 2024. It will be Ecuador’s third major mining operation after the Mirador copper mine and Fruta del Norte gold mine.
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