South American energy and mining sectors target regional integration

Regional leaders and industry experts are focusing on energy integration and mining competitiveness in South America. In Uruguay, the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining is participating in a meeting organized by OLACDE and CAF to discuss the MERCOSUR and Chile gas integration project. The initiative explores using natural gas to develop a regional market for nitrogenous fertilizers, involving stakeholders from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to enhance food security and industrial capacity.

In Chile, Manuel Viera, President of the Chilean Mining Chamber, outlined a strategic vision for the mining sector to reach US$1 trillion in exports over the next decade. Projections suggest Chile could generate between US$804 billion and US$1.087 trillion in mining exports between 2026 and 2035, driven by copper demand from data centers and electromobility. To meet these goals, the sector aims to increase copper production and double lithium production to 600,000 tons of carbonate equivalent by 2035, though Viera noted the need for improved exploration and political will to maintain regional leadership.