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.
Paulo Aguilera, Chilean Mining Engineer, provides us insight into the Drilling and Blasting areas, what technologies are being implemented, and suggestions of how foreign providers can ensure they are successful when introducing new technologies.
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.
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