Antofagasta's EXPONOR 2026 draws presidential spotlight and mining expansion plans

Chile's President José Antonio Kast formally opened EXPONOR 2026 in Antofagasta, marking the first time a sitting president has attended the mining, energy and innovation exhibition in nearly three decades. The ceremony featured national officials, foreign diplomats and a delegation of about 70 Canadian companies, underscoring the event’s role as a platform for attracting investment, showcasing sustainable practices and promoting Chile’s mining sector.

During the fair, Sierra Gorda SCM announced a series of growth initiatives. The company plans to extend the mine’s operational life to 2047‑2049, is evaluating a fourth grinding and production line and will launch a US$100 million exploration program over the next five years. Sierra Gorda highlighted its low‑cost copper production (US$0.68 per lb), its status as Chile’s top copper producer and third‑largest molybdenum producer, and introduced in‑house robotics – the “Sierrabot Evolution” and “Sierradrón” – to boost efficiency and safety. The firm also signed a voluntary clean‑production agreement to curb dust emissions in the Sierra Gorda community.