Chilean mining at the crossroads: challenges and strategies to lead the energy transition

Chile, a global leader in copper and lithium, faces growing international competition and domestic challenges that threaten its strategic position in the mining industry. This study looks at investment opportunities, the policies needed to drive sustainable development, and the challenges that the country must overcome to maintain its leadership in a world in transition towards a green economy. The report analyses the status and prospects of Chilean mining in a global context marked by the energy transition. With projections indicating a 70% increase in copper demand by 2030 and sustained growth in the lithium market, Chile has a historic opportunity to consolidate its position as a key supplier of critical minerals. Problems such as bureaucracy, legal uncertainty, and lack of new investment threaten its leadership. The study highlights the need for a new regulatory framework to ensure legal stability, encourage foreign investment, and promote sustainable mining practices. It also addresses the urgency of implementing innovative technologies and moving towards cleaner mining. In an environment of increasing competition, where countries like Argentina and Peru emerge as direct rivals, Chile must take strategic steps to not be left behind. This analysis provides an integral view of public policies, global trends, and areas for improvement that can ensure the role of Chile as a mining leader on the international stage.