Chile’s mining industry urged to forge bonds with suppliers

Mining companies in Chile are making efforts to drive the local industry towards a smarter, safer and more responsible way to operate, but according to mining minister Baldo Prokurica, the sector needs more cooperation and teamwork between companies and suppliers. 

“It’s important that mining companies and technology providers work together to innovate within our industry as developed countries did it, jointly working on research and development,” Prokurica said during a webinar on the future of the local industry organized by the Swiss-Chilean chamber of commerce on Tuesday. 

The current health crisis has accelerated the adoption of new technologies in mining operations but in a post-pandemic scenario more innovation will be required. 

The long-term competitiveness of Chile’s mining industry will depend on achieving innovation and sustainability goals, Prokurica said. 

“This emergency will generate new standards for the industry, its processes and ways to operate, making it stronger to face future challenges,” the minister said. 

Last week, Andrés Costa, president of the association of companies for innovation and exports (Minnovex), warned about the lack of integration and the need to generate regional platforms to discuss innovative solutions needed by the industry. 

The recently presented 4.0 innovation roadmap for Chile’s mining industry also included the need for more cooperation between industry players to set standards and protocols that could lead to the implementation of new technologies. 

The document lists the aspects on which the industry plans to focus during the next 15 years, and points out the benefits of alliances between the public and private actors. 

Photo credit: Chile's mining ministry