Chile and Argentina approve USD 20.7 billion binational mining projects

mining industry binational projects copper mining technological innovation energy transition

Chile and Argentina have activated protocols to operate three binational mining projects located on the border between San Juan, Argentina, and the Atacama Region, Chile. These projects—Vicuña, Nexo Andino, and Filo Sur—focus on strategic copper deposits and represent a combined portfolio exceeding USD 20.7 billion. This move reactivates a mining integration treaty that had been largely inactive for nearly three decades.

In Chile, the mining sector continues to drive significant economic activity. The Atacama region reported a 15.3% growth in 2025, driven by gold and copper production, despite a decline in local smelting capacity. Meanwhile, the government is focusing on strengthening the mining supply chain by promoting innovation and technological adoption among national providers.

Innovation and workforce trends are also evolving. Escondida | BHP has launched the ‘Open Aster’ program, selecting 25 startups to develop technological pilots with a total investment of USD 3 million. Additionally, women now represent 24.1% of the mining workforce in Chile, a record high that surpasses participation rates in other major mining nations such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Entities

Argentina · Atacama Region · BHP · Chile · Daniel Mas · Escondida · San Juan Province

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Escondida | BHP selected 25 startups to develop technological pilots valued at USD 3 million. radioallen.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Argentina and Chile approved Specific Additional Protocols (PAE) to operate three binational mining projects located on the border between San Juan, Argentina, and the Atacama Region, Chile. jachalmagazine.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Chilean government is implementing a strategy to strengthen mining through innovation, technology, and the growth of national suppliers. construnoticias.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The approved protocols establish regulatory frameworks for the Vicuña, Nexo Andino, and Filo Sur projects. jachalmagazine.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Chile's female mining workforce percentage (24.1%) is higher than those in Australia, South Africa, Canada, the United States, and Peru. www.latercera.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Women represent 24.1% of the total workforce in the mining sector. www.latercera.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The combined portfolio of the binational mining projects exceeds USD 20.7 billion. jachalmagazine.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Open Aster innovation program received over 600 applications from Chile, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the United States. radioallen.cl