Latin Americans increasingly accepting mining

Public attitudes toward mining in Latin America are improving, according to the Brújula Minera survey promoted by Jaime Arteaga y Asociados, Colombian mining association ACM and business NGO Andi, among others.

In Chile, 83% of respondents expressed positive views about mining, 78% in Peru, 67% in Guatemala, 65% in Colombia and 60% in Ecuador.

At the lowest levels are Argentina and Panama with 54% each and Brazil with 53%.

More than 7,000 people participated in the survey.

The results revealed that 65% of those surveyed recognize that mining is necessary for modern life, and 67% deem mining products essential for the energy transition.

Some 47% said the economy of their countries would worsen if mining companies ceased operations. Last year, 32% held that view.

The survey also found that trust toward government and institutions is improving.