Written by Ian Cardenas – Associate
Earlier in 2026, the Chilean government has officially presented the National Critical Minerals Strategy, a policy framework designed to position the country as a key global supplier of minerals essential for the energy transition. The strategy seeks to leverage Chile’s geological potential, mining expertise, and institutional experience to strengthen its role in global supply chains while promoting sustainable and responsible mining development.
The strategy was introduced during a ceremony on 27 January 2026 led by former President Gabriel Boric, alongside authorities from the Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Economy. According to the government, the initiative represents a long-term roadmap aimed at consolidating Chile’s mining leadership, diversifying Chile’s productive base, and attracting responsible investment in minerals that will be increasingly critical for clean technologies and renewable energy systems.
A Strategic Opportunity for Chile
Global demand for critical minerals is growing rapidly due to the expansion of technologies associated with the energy transition. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, energy storage solutions, and digital infrastructure rely heavily on a range of minerals whose supply is becoming strategically important worldwide.
In this context, Chile holds several competitive advantages. The country possesses significant geological resources, decades of experience in large-scale mining operations, a specialised workforce, and a regulatory framework that has historically supported the development of the mining sector. These factors place Chile in a favourable position to strengthen its participation in global supply chains for minerals critical to the decarbonisation of the global economy.
The government has emphasised that the strategy seeks not only to expand mineral production but also to promote a modern mining industry capable of generating technological innovation, high-quality employment opportunities, and sustainable economic development.
Five Strategic Pillars
The National Critical Minerals Strategy is structured around five strategic pillars, which together aim to guide Chile’s mining sector toward a more diversified, sustainable, and globally integrated future.
- Production and diversification. This pillar focuses on expanding the development of minerals considered critical for the energy transition and diversifying Chile’s mining portfolio. By identifying minerals with strong development potential, the strategy seeks to broaden the country’s productive matrix beyond its traditional mining outputs.
- Responsible mining. Another central component of the strategy is the promotion of high environmental and social standards. The government aims to ensure that the expansion of mining activities occurs under sustainability principles, incorporating environmental protection, responsible resource management, and constructive engagement with local communities.
- Development opportunities and value creation. The strategy also seeks to foster innovation and strengthen local value chains linked to mining activities. This includes encouraging the development of technological suppliers, supporting research and development, and promoting greater value added within the national economy.
- International integration and mineral diplomacy. Given the geopolitical relevance of critical minerals, the strategy aims to enhance Chile’s position within global mineral supply chains. This involves strengthening international partnerships, promoting cooperation with other countries, and positioning Chile as a reliable and responsible supplier of strategic resources.
- Enabling capabilities. Finally, the strategy emphasises the importance of strengthening the institutional and technical conditions required for the sector’s development. This includes improving geological information, regulatory processes, infrastructure, and the training of specialised talent necessary to support future industry growth.
A Participatory Development Process
A key feature of the National Critical Minerals Strategy is the participatory process that supported its design. Between 2024 and 2025, several technical studies were carried out by Cochilco, Sernageomin, and a team supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). These studies analysed global mineral demand, Chile’s geological potential, and the geopolitical implications of critical mineral supply chains.
The strategy was further developed through a multi-stakeholder consultation process. A High-Level Advisory Committee composed of representatives from government, academia, industry, and civil society contributed strategic guidance, while a Technical Committee of more than 120 specialists from 56 institutions worked across several thematic groups to develop specific proposals.
In addition, regional workshops and a national public consultation allowed different stakeholders and communities to provide input, ensuring that the final document reflects a broad range of perspectives regarding the future of mining development in Chile.
Looking Ahead
Through the National Critical Minerals Strategy, Chile aims to consolidate its role as a trusted and responsible partner in the global energy transition. By combining increased mineral production with sustainability principles, technological innovation, and stronger international cooperation, the country seeks to maximise the economic and social benefits of its natural resources.
As global competition for critical minerals continues to intensify, the implementation of this strategy could represent a significant step toward strengthening Chile’s position in the evolving landscape of energy transition supply chains while ensuring that mining development contributes to long-term national prosperity.
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.
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