Chile
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in Chile
Chile plays a central role in the global energy transition as a top-tier producer of critical minerals, including lithium, copper, molybdenum, and rhenium—elements essential to electric vehicles, renewable infrastructure, and advanced technologies. As the world’s second-largest lithium producer and leading copper exporter, Chile's mining output from the Atacama and Antofagasta regions is deeply embedded in global clean energy value chains. Chile's energy mix is rapidly diversifying, with solar and wind generation growing alongside its traditional reliance on hydropower and fossil fuels. The government has launched ambitious decarbonisation goals, supported by its integration in major international frameworks like the OECD, APEC, and CPTPP. However, water scarcity, Indigenous land rights, and environmental pressures in mining zones continue to shape public policy and investment risk. Chile’s state-led mineral strategy and climate agenda are positioning the country as both a regional leader and a critical player in shaping the geopolitics of clean energy supply chains.
Latest news and insights
Stay ahead in the energy transition with SFA (Oxford)’s cutting-edge insights into how lithium, copper, ESG frameworks, and geopolitical shifts are reshaping Chile’s position in global energy supply chains.
Chile energy and power mix
Regional Critical Minerals mapping and policy developments
Regional efforts to develop and manage critical minerals in Chile are diverse and closely aligned with local strengths, with each region contributing uniquely to the country’s energy transition. In the north, regions like Antofagasta and Atacama are global leaders in lithium and copper production, essential for batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable technologies. Tarapacá and Arica y Parinacota focus on advancing solar energy projects while leveraging their mineral wealth, including iodine and nitrates, for modern industrial uses.
In the central regions, Coquimbo and Valparaíso are expanding renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar, while supporting mining initiatives targeting copper, iron, and emerging critical minerals. The Metropolitan Region of Santiago drives innovation and sustainable mining practices through policy leadership and technological development.
In the south, regions like Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Lagos are investing in wind, hydro, and green hydrogen projects, while also exploring opportunities to sustainably extract lesser-known critical minerals. Farther south, in Aysén and Magallanes, efforts are underway to develop green hydrogen at scale, supported by abundant wind resources and new investment in strategic mineral exploration.
Each region’s tailored approach reflects Chile’s vast geological diversity and resource potential, collectively strengthening the nation’s leadership in critical minerals and clean energy innovation. Explore how Chile’s regions are powering the country's sustainable energy transformation.
Energy Raw Materials and products produced in Chile
Ceased Energy Raw Materials and products produced in Chile
Essential minerals production and products in Chile
Ceased essential minerals production and products in Chile
Disputed overseas territories of Chile
The journey of South America's critical minerals
South America's advancement in renewable energy depends significantly on key minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, alongside PGMs, rare earths, and minor metals, which are vital for the development of low carbon and future technologies through the support of sustainable mining and innovative policies. This approach highlights the critical role of these minerals in securing a sustainable and energy-independent future. Explore how these critical minerals are central to South America's journey towards sustainable energy transformation.
Argentina
Argentina, a key Lithium Triangle player, is expanding production and leveraging global partnerships to strengthen its role in battery supply chains.
Bolivia
Bolivia, home to vast lithium reserves within the Salar de Uyuni, faces challenges in extraction and infrastructure, affecting its pace in the global lithium market.
Brazil
Brazil, rich in niobium, bauxite, and rare earths, pairs large-scale mining with hydropower dominance, making it a key supplier in clean tech value chains.
Colombia
Colombia's wealth in gold, copper, and nickel is tempered by regulatory challenges and conflict-affected zones, complicating its path to secure mineral supply chains.
Ecuador
Ecuador is exploring its copper and gold potential amid rising investment interest, yet faces tensions over environmental protection and Indigenous land rights.
French Guiana
French Guiana prioritises environmental protection over extraction. With gold as its main mineral resource, its growing interest in renewable energy.
Guyana
Guyana’s gold and offshore oil boom fuels rapid growth, but raises questions about balancing extractive wealth with long-term energy sustainability.
Paraguay
Paraguay generates nearly 100% of its electricity from hydropower, offering a renewable energy advantage despite limited mineral production.
Peru
Peru is a global mining heavyweight, exporting copper, silver, and zinc, though political instability and social unrest continue to disrupt its extractive sector.
Suriname
Suriname depends heavily on gold exports, with its mining sector facing environmental and governance pressures in the biodiverse interior.
Uruguay
Uruguay has built one of Latin America’s greenest power grids, running largely on wind and solar, despite a limited presence in the critical minerals space.
Venezuela
Venezuela holds major reserves of oil, gold, and aluminium, but political and economic crises have hindered its mineral development and energy transition.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Uninhabited and protected, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a South Atlantic base for conservation and climate monitoring.
The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands lack major mining but are exploring offshore energy, with a focus on energy resilience, the environment, and maritime sovereignty.
Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead
Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies
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