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.
Working in foreign jurisdictions brings some unique challenges and risks. It is important for companies when they start looking at a new market or win a contract to have a clear understanding of how to deal with the obligations and liabilities that arise when working in a country where they do not have a legal entity.
Most business executives will agree that confidentiality agreements are a necessary tool to protect their intellectual property. What often is missed is whether they are being used properly. This starts with ensuring that each employee understand why we use them, when to use them, and how they should be used.
The solutions and technology being commercialized today are more complex than they were in the past which means there is a strong need for companies to ensure they are protecting their intellectual property when entering into contracts with clients.
We often find that when mining technology and services companies are reviewing a mining services contract, IP is merely a secondary consideration even though it should be an essential part of the contract. It is critcal for METS companies who are entering into contracts to understand how to protect their intellectual property.
Chile is rapidly moving to autonomous trucks in its mining operations. We speak with Alexis Méndez, a Chilean Mining Engineer, who has spent his career helping mining operations to evaluate, implement, and operate autonomous technology.
We had the opportunity this week to speak with Edgar Carrillo, Operations Manager for IOT Automation, an Australian company that specialise in wireless sensor networks and smart lighting featuring real-time situational awareness (RTSA).