Chile Mining News: Empowering Chile’s Mining Sector Through Sustainable Innovation

Written by Ian Cardenas, Lawyer

 Chile is setting a bold new standard in sustainable mining innovation with the launch of Corfo’s fourth R&D Innovation Challenges for 2024. Backed by a substantial USD 14 million investment sourced from mining royalties in the Salar de Atacama, this initiative aims to revolutionise how the mining sector approaches environmental responsibility and technological advancement. By offering to co-finance up to 80% of the total costs for selected projects, Corfo is not just funding innovation—it’s driving a nationwide transformation toward greener, smarter mining practices.

With a strong focus on leveraging Chile’s natural competitive edge in sustainable lithium production, this year’s challenges target groundbreaking solutions in resource extraction, ecosystem protection, and local economic development.

Key Goals and Focus Areas

The initiative seeks to:

• Implement cutting-edge technologies to ensure sustainable resource extraction.
• Protect biodiversity and local ecosystems.
• Promote economic growth with added local value.

This initiative continues our policy of utilising resources from lithium contracts to drive development and address specific challenges in the mining sector,” stated José Miguel Benavente, Executive Vice President of Corfo.

Four key innovation challenges have been identified:

1. Pilot platform for direct lithium extraction technologies.
2. Processes for reinjecting residual brine using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies.
3. Development of clean processes to recover cobalt from mining residues via secondary mining.
4. Sustainable recovery of “rare earth elements” from secondary sources.

Unlocking New Opportunities in Mining

Chile’s vast mineral wealth, including an estimated 46,000 tons of vanadium, 16,000 tons of cobalt, and hundreds of tons of rare earth elements, highlights the untapped potential of its mining sector. This initiative not only aims to tap into these resources but also to establish new business lines in secondary mining with high economic returns.

These instruments focus on revaluing mining waste and rare earth elements, aiming to enhance our export offerings and strengthen local value chains,” Benavente emphasised.

Collaboration and Sustainability at the Core

The R&D Challenges encourage partnerships between mining companies, local value chains, technological centers, and academic institutions. By addressing both environmental and productivity challenges, the program strives to position Chile as a global leader in sustainable mining.

Broader Impact on Chile’s Economy

In addition to fostering innovation in lithium and mining sustainability, Corfo has allocated USD 41.8 million to support seven projects in lithium technologies, battery reuse, and sustainable mining across regions including Biobío, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Metropolitana. These projects demonstrate Corfo’s commitment to driving applied research and productive innovation in strategic economic sectors.

With the R&D Challenges and related initiatives, Corfo’s vision extends beyond immediate industrial needs to include long-term environmental stewardship and socioeconomic benefits. This multifaceted approach ensures that Chile remains at the forefront of sustainable mining and technological innovation globally.

Conclusion

Corfo’s fourth R&D Innovation Challenges represent more than just an investment in technology— it is a bold step toward redefining the future of mining in Chile. By addressing critical challenges in lithium production, resource recovery, and environmental protection, the initiative underscores Chile’s leadership in sustainable mining practices and its commitment to long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Through collaboration with industry, academia, and local communities, Corfo is paving the way for a mining sector that not only meets the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy but also respects and protects the ecosystems that sustain it. As Chile continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the lessons learned and technologies developed will serve as a blueprint for sustainable mining on a global scale.

Corfo’s vision goes beyond immediate outcomes—it’s about shaping a mining sector that creates value for everyone while safeguarding the planet for generations to come. The R&D Challenges show can be achieved when ambition, collaboration, and sustainability intersect.

Harris Gomez Group METS Lawyers ® opened its doors in 1997 as an Australian legal and commercial firm. In 2001, we expanded our practice to the international market with the establishment of our office in Santiago, Chile. This international expansion meant that as an English speaking law firm we could provide an essential bridge for Australian companies with interests and activities in Latin America, and to provide legal advice in Chile, Peru and the rest of Latin America. In opening this office, HGG became the first Australian law firm with an office in Latin America.

As Legal and Commercial Advisors, we partner with innovative businesses in resources, technology and sustainability by providing strategy, legal and corporate services. Our goal is to see innovative businesses establish and thrive in Latin America and Australia. We are proud members of Austmine and the Australia Latin American Business Council.