The geological setting in Chile is unparalleled in its mineral endowment. This has spawned a very strong mining industry which remains one of Chile’s largest contributors to the national economy. At the forefront of this industry is the production of copper, and the associated exploration for it.
As the largest copper producer in the world, Chile hosts many notable copper miners, including Antofagasta Minerals, BHP Billiton, Glencore and Freeport MacMoRan among others, and there has been significant exploration and production in the region for decades. With its well-developed sector, Chile is also known as a highly favourable mining jurisdiction within South America, with a long history of strong mining laws support for foreign direct investment.