Chile’s METS sector is positioning itself for a new era of growth with Australia identified as a key partner as well as market.
Chile is well-known in Australian mining circles for its world – leading copper and lithium sectors – but less acknowledged is the scope and depth of its METS industry.
That could be about to change with Chilean trade commission to Australia Juan Pablo Julio Bulling eager to help its companies break into Australian markets. “Over 200 Australian companies have established businesses in Chile, reflecting the deep economic ties and mutual trust between our countries but on the other hand, only 20 Chilean companies have established presence in Australia,” ProChile’s Julio Bulling said. “These companies bring experience, technological advancements, and innovative approaches to mining and related industries in Australia.
“There is a lot more to say about Chilean mining suppliers and their potential in Australia. They represent more than 400 companies with an exportable offer throughout the entire mining production chain, from the exploratory phase to the closure of the mine. Components such as experience, innovation, and sustainability in the offer make our suppliers among the most competitive worldwide. As a Commission, we see its potential and we will do our best to provide greater tools to approach this competitive and sophisticated market, and showcase to Australia what these companies have to offer.”
The size of the Chilean services sector was on display at the Exponor expo, held in the mining centre of Antofagasta last month. Paydirt joined more than 50,000 delegates and 1,100 exhibitors for the event, meeting with Chilean companies eager to offer their expertise to Australian companies on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.
The forum included delegations from across the world, including Australia, but most of all showcased the growing sophistication of Chile’s METS sector.
“We are very satisfied with Exponor 2024, we had over 1,100 exhibitors and the participation of 32 countries,” Marko Razmilic, president of the Antofagasta Industrial Association said.
“The eye of the world is on the Antofa gasta region as the world capital of mining, with important challenges in innovation and development for the industry.”
Razmilic projected $US940 million in business had been done over the four days of the exhibition, “highlighting the positive evaluation by the exhibitors”.
“Chile has a tremendous METS base and the complexity and sophistication is going up”, Juan Carlos Guajardo, chief executive and founder of Chilean business consultancy Plusmining told Paydirt.
“It is rapidly expanding with new technologies and companies providing new services. There is a lot of potential.”
Guajardo believes Chilean partners could also help Australian companies enter other parts of the region.
“Chile can also be a platform for the rest of Latin America”, he said.
“Because of its history, infrastructure, professional base and mining ecosystem, the Chilean industry can help Australian companies navigate through Latin America. We share the same language, culture and understand why things are happening in the rest of the region more readily than an Australian company would.”
Source: Paydirt