Chile suspends mining concession auctions for small-scale miners

The Chilean government has ordered the General Treasury of the Republic (TGR) to suspend the auction of mining concessions resulting from unpaid annual patents. This measure is intended to protect small-scale and artisanal miners operating in territories declared as disaster zones following severe weather events recorded between July and August.

The suspension, which extends until December 31, 2025, applies to regions ranging from Arica y Parinacota to Los Lagos. The initiative aims to alleviate the economic pressure on producers whose operations and ability to regularize pending obligations were compromised by meteorological emergencies.

While the measure prevents hundreds of mining titles from entering public auction, officials clarified that it is not a debt forgiveness program. The obligation to pay the patents remains in effect; the suspension merely pauses the legal proceedings that would otherwise result in the loss of the mining titles.