Ministry of Mining Opens Public Consultation Process on the Proposal of a National Critical Minerals Strategy

On September 22, 2025, the Ministry of Mining published in the Official Gazette Exempt Resolution No. 2,231 (the “Resolution”), through which it submitted to public consultation the Proposal of a National Critical Minerals Strategy (“Proposal NCMS”).

The Proposal NCMS sets forth a roadmap aimed at positioning Chile as a key supplier in the global supply chain of minerals essential to the energy and technological transition. It defines the concept of a critical mineral for Chile, adopting a flexible approach that considers: (i) Chile’s current or potential participation in the global supply of a given mineral; (ii) its classification as critical by relevant international economies; and (iii) national strategic opportunities, even if such minerals are not included in foreign lists of critical minerals.

The Proposal NCMS classifies critical minerals into three groups:

• Group A: Minerals in which Chile is already a global leader (copper, lithium, molybdenum, rhenium).
• Group B: Minerals with high potential (cobalt, rare earth elements, antimony, selenium, tellurium).
• Group C: Minerals offering strategic opportunities for Chile (gold, silver, iron, boron, iodine).

The strategic pillars of the Proposal NCMS focus on production and diversification, responsible mining, development opportunities, international engagement, and enabling capacities.

Our firm is proud to acknowledge the participation of Daniel Weinstein, Partner in our Mining Group, as a member of the Technical Committee involved in the preparation of the Proposal NCMS, underscoring our enduring commitment to the development and strengthening of Chile’s mining sector.

Key Aspects to Consider

1. Public consultation process: The public consultation process regarding the Proposal NCMS is available at: https://participa.minmineria.gob.cl.
2. Deadline for submitting comments: Interested parties may submit comments within 30 calendar days from the publication of the Resolution in the Official Gazette, that is, until October 22, 2025.
3. Submission channels:
   • Online platform: https://participa.minmineria.gob.cl/es-CL/projects/consulta-estrategia-minerales-criticos.
   • Email: participa@minmineria.cl.
   • In person: At the Ministry of Mining’s Office of Parts (Amunátegui 232, 16th Floor, Santiago).