Latin American mining shifts through new investments and regulation

Latin American mining sectors are undergoing significant shifts driven by regulatory changes, technological adoption, and new investment projects. In Peru, the Multiannual Macroeconomic Framework projects over US$20 billion in new mining projects between 2028 and 2030, including major initiatives like Los Chancas and Michiquillay. Additionally, Compañía Minera Poderosa is expanding its Santa María I processing plant to increase capacity and is investing in research for sustainable mining solutions.

In Mexico, the government has authorized five new mining projects across Durango, Jalisco, Sonora, and Zacatecas, totaling US$2.5 billion, signaling a shift toward more sustainable practices following previous regulatory pauses.

Across the region, countries like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru are redefining mining regulations to secure critical minerals like lithium and copper ahead of 2030 supply gaps. To combat delays in new project development, companies are increasingly turning to technology—such as artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning—to optimize existing operations and increase production efficiency.