Chile passes mining patent reform and introduces startup venture capital fund

Chilean mining reform mining patents Corfo venture capital startup ecosystem

The Chilean Chamber of Deputies has approved a reform to the mining patent regime, aimed at reducing economic burdens for small and medium-sized producers. The new law eliminates the progressive patent fee, which previously reached up to 12 monthly tax units (UTM) per hectare, replacing it with a fixed rate of 0.4 UTM per hectare. Additionally, the reform expands the criteria for a reduced rate of 0.1 UTM per hectare and postpones the 2026 patent payments until February 28, 2027, delaying mining concession auctions nationwide.

While the National Mining Society (SONAMI) acknowledged the relief provided by the cost reductions, the organization warned that the reform does not fully resolve structural issues regarding legal certainty for mining concessions. SONAMI expressed concerns over continued administrative intervention and the potential for increased pressure on Sernageomin.

Separately, the Ministry of Economy and Corfo have introduced the “Fondo de Fondos” bill to the Chamber of Deputies. This initiative seeks to strengthen the startup ecosystem by allowing Corfo to act as a minority investor in venture capital funds. With an initial capitalization of US$25 million, the project aims to attract private investment for startups in the scaling phase, addressing a recent stagnation in domestic venture capital and preventing companies from relocating their headquarters abroad.

Entities

Chamber of Deputies of Chile · Chile · Corfo · Daniel Mas · José García Ruminot · National Mining Society · Sernageomin

Claims

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

[● 2 SOURCES] The reform eliminates the progressive mining patent fee that could reach 12 UTM per hectare. construnoticias.com · elurbanorural.cl
[● 2 SOURCES] Eligible producers can access a reduced patent rate of 0.1 UTM per hectare. construnoticias.com · elurbanorural.cl
[● 2 SOURCES] The general mining patent is fixed at 0.4 UTM per hectare. construnoticias.com · elurbanorural.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The postponement of patent payments will delay mining concession auctions nationwide. elurbanorural.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The payment of mining patents for 2026 is postponed until February 28, 2027. elurbanorural.cl
[● 2 SOURCES] The Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved a reform to the mining patent regime. construnoticias.com · elurbanorural.cl