Chile's Mining Ministry Unveils Investment Plan at Exponor 2026

At the Exponor 2026 mining exhibition in Antofagasta, Chile's subsecretary of mining Álvaro González presented the Government Mining Plan for 2026‑2030. The plan aims to raise national copper production to around 5.5 million tonnes, attract foreign investment, and modernize regulation by simplifying mining patents and speeding project approvals. González emphasized that expanding mining is essential for decarbonizing transport and supporting data‑center demand, stating, “queremos invitar a inversionistas extranjeros a que crean aún más en Chile.”

In a parallel presentation, Sierra Gorda SCM CEO Marcelo Bustos highlighted the company's strong financial results, reporting EBITDA above US$1.5 billion and a C1 cost of US$0.86 per pound of copper for 2025. The firm, Chile's 11th‑largest copper producer, outlined plans to extend the mine’s life to 2049, launch an exploration program for 2028‑2032, and potentially add a fourth grinding line to boost production by 30%. Both announcements signal a focus on competitive, sustainable growth in Chile's mining sector.