Written by Ian Cardenas, Lawyer
Chile has taken a decisive step toward a cleaner and more sustainable mining future. In early October 2025, the Chilean Government and the Mining Council signed a landmark public–private agreement aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the country’s mining industry by 2050.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Economy, brought together key government leaders and industry representatives, including the Ministers of Economy, Mining, Energy, and Environment (Álvaro García, Aurora Williams, Diego Pardow, and Maisa Rojas) along with Joaquín Villarino, Executive President of the Mining Council. Major companies such as Codelco, Anglo American, BHP, Antofagasta Minerals, Teck, Aprimin, and Minnovex also participated, underscoring the breadth of industry commitment to the transition toward low-emission mining.
A Public–Private Effort for Carbon Neutrality
This Agreement for the Decarbonization of Mining represents a new model of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Coordinated by the Ministry of Economy’s Division for Sustainable Productive Development, the initiative seeks to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies, promote regulatory innovation, and establish a roadmap for emission reduction across the entire mining value chain.
Economy Minister Álvaro García described the initiative as “a clear reflection of Chile’s path to growth—transforming our natural advantages into opportunities for technological development and innovation. We are driving a more sustainable and competitive mining industry that strengthens Chile’s international leadership in green growth.”
Global Leadership in Sustainable Mining
Chile is a reliable partner and a responsible producer of the minerals that power the world’s clean energy transformation. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to sustainable mining and to addressing climate change through innovation and long-term vision,”
– Minister of Mining Aurora Williams emphasising that Chile’s mining sector has a unique responsibility in the global energy transition.
Energy Minister Diego Pardow highlighted that the mining sector will continue to be a “key ally” in replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources, particularly as the country moves into what he called “the second phase of the energy transition.” Meanwhile, Environment Minister Maisa Rojas underscored the symbolic value of the initiative: “This public–private agreement sends a strong signal on how to decarbonise major economic activities in line with Chile’s Climate Change Framework Law and our 2050 carbon neutrality goals.”
Technology, Collaboration, and Measurable Impact
The agreement prioritises the identification and implementation of technologies that reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, encompassing direct operations, energy consumption, and supply chain activities. It also calls for the creation of enabling regulatory conditions to foster technological innovation.
According to the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco), significant progress is already being made: as of 2024, 73.5% of electricity used in mining operations comes from renewable sources, a figure expected to rise to 78.2% by 2026. State-owned copper giant Codelco has also set a 2030 goal to cut emissions from its haul trucks (CAEX) by 10%.
Mining Council President Joaquín Villarino stressed that Chile’s abundance of renewable energy resources provides a competitive edge: “The challenge is to transform that advantage into concrete results through technological and regulatory innovation. This collaborative effort will accelerate the decarbonisation of mining and contribute to achieving both the country’s and the sector’s climate goals.”
Toward a Low-Carbon Future
Beyond emission reduction, this agreement positions Chile as a global benchmark for responsible mining. By linking climate strategy with industrial competitiveness, Chile aims to become the world’s leading supplier of low-emission copper, while strengthening its reputation as a nation committed to sustainability, transparency, and innovation.
The path to carbon neutrality is not only an environmental necessity, it’s an opportunity to build a stronger, greener, and more resilient economy for future generations.”
– Minister García.
This landmark agreement not only reinforces Chile’s commitment to global climate goals but also highlights the country’s ability to align sustainability with economic growth. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, Chile is laying the foundation for a mining industry that leads by example—innovative, competitive, and environmentally responsible. If successfully implemented, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other resource-rich nations seeking to reconcile productivity with climate action, marking a pivotal chapter in Chile’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
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.
To better understand how we can support your management team in the Region, please contact contact@hgomezgroup.com
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and readers should seek independent legal advice for their specific circumstances. Harris Gomez Group accepts no liability for reliance on this content.