Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is accelerating efforts to attract private investment in its growing mining, petrochemical, and green energy sectors, with new institutional reforms and international cooperation on the horizon.
Javier Milei and Emmanuel Macron strengthened Argentina–France cooperation on lithium and copper extraction, nuclear energy, and the Mercosur–EU trade deal during a meeting at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, despite their opposing views on climate change.
Peru reinstates the 5,600 km² protected area of the Nasca Lines after criticism over reduced boundaries and rising informal gold mining activity in the region
Chile’s new Mining Royalty Law will inject $244 million USD into regional and municipal budgets in 2025, marking the country’s largest fiscal decentralization effort since the return to democracy. Coquimbo is set to receive $17 billion pesos, with major budget increases in communes like Andacollo and Monte Patria.
Amid a global shift toward clean energy and advanced technologies, Chile is positioning itself as a future leader in cobalt production—transforming mining tailings into a strategic resource. With innovative bioleaching techniques and one of the largest potential reserves outside Africa, the country aims to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of cobalt annually. The Green Cobalt project not only supports sustainable mining and circular economy goals, but also promises regional development, job creation, and a new source of export revenue exceeding US$1.1 billion per year.
Peru’s Vice Minister of Mines, Henry John Luna, has resigned amid controversy over reforms to the mining formalization process, including the repeal of the “hereditary Reinfo.” The government argues the changes aim to reinforce state control and ensure regulatory clarity in the sector.
In response to global supply risks, the European Union has launched an ambitious plan to mine, process, and recycle its own critical raw materials — but can it balance independence with sustainability?
With Argentina’s federal government halting new public works under President Javier Milei, oil and mining companies — backed by provincial governors — are pushing for privatized infrastructure development to sustain Vaca Muerta, lithium mining, and agriculture.
Chile’s National Lithium Strategy is facing criticism from environmentalists and local leaders who say it prioritizes extraction over protection. Experts warn of fragile ecosystems, missing impact assessments, and lack of Indigenous consultation.
President Boric called Chile’s National Lithium Strategy a historic milestone, positioning Codelco to lead lithium production in the Salar de Atacama.