President José Antonio Kast opens EXPONOR 2026 mining fair in Antofagasta

Chile’s President José Antonio Kast attended the opening ceremony of EXPONOR 2026, the country’s premier mining‑energy exhibition, held in Antofagasta. He called for faster bureaucracy, tax competitiveness and a new law to attract investment and jobs. Vice‑minister of Economy, Development and Tourism and Mining Daniel Mas highlighted reforms to speed up environmental permits and give legal certainty to investors.

The four‑day event gathers representatives from more than 30 countries, about 1,300 companies and an expected US$1 billion in business deals, with an anticipated 47,000 visitors. Canada serves as the guest of honor, sending a delegation of 70 firms. Organisers also announced the “Compromiso Antofagasta” agreement linking the regional government, industry association and the presidential delegation to coordinate public‑private cooperation and promote projects in copper, lithium and clean‑energy technologies.