Chile,U.S. deepen mining cooperation
Agreements boost minerals and security collaboration
Chile and the United States signed a set of agreements in Santiago to deepen cooperation on mining and security, with officials from both governments attending the ceremony, including Chilean ministers Francisco Pérez Mackenna and Daniel Mas, and U.S. Ambassador Brandon Judd. The accords focus on coordination around critical minerals—such as lithium, copper and rare earths—covering public and private financing for mining projects, scrap management and recycling, and joint exploration to bolster supply chains for clean energy technologies.
The agreements include security components aimed at enhancing collaboration on organized crime prevention, infrastructure protection and regional stability, reflecting mutual interest in safeguarding strategic sectors. Chilean officials stressed the need to attract foreign investment and technology transfer to modernize and expand the mining sector; Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas said the government plans to accelerate mining permit approvals to unlock an investment pipeline estimated at more than $100 billion. U.S. representatives framed the partnership as key to securing reliable access to critical resources while promoting sustainable, responsible mining practices.
Last month the two countries began talks on rare earths and other critical minerals; the formalized agreements now set a framework for financing, recycling initiatives and joint exploration efforts. Analysts note the cooperation could materially affect the global energy transition given Chile’s leading role in supplying minerals essential for batteries and renewable infrastructure. Officials described the signings as the start of broader collaboration, with further joint initiatives expected in technology sharing, environmental standards and economic development to strengthen bilateral supply chains and resilience amid growing international competition for strategic minerals.
