Latin America Mining Briefing — 26/03/26

economy Minería Chilena

Chilean Mining Groups Form Strategic Joint Venture in Mexico

Grupo JRI and Grupo Sacmag formalized Sacmag-JRI Ingeniería Minera S.A. de C.V., a new mining engineering company in Mexico, through deed execution on February 24 in Mexico City. The strategic alliance combines technical expertise and operational capabilities of both Chilean and Mexican groups.

WHY IT MATTERS Cross-border mining partnerships signal increasing regional integration and Chilean expansion into Mexico's growing mining sector.

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economy Minería Chilena

Albemarle Advances Direct Lithium Extraction Technology in Chile

Albemarle submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment for the TED (Transition to Direct Lithium Extraction) project in Chile's Salar de Atacama, employing DLE technology designed to double lithium recovery while reducing brine extraction. The project represents a shift toward more efficient and sustainable lithium production methods.

WHY IT MATTERS DLE technology adoption could transform Chile's lithium industry by increasing yields while addressing environmental concerns that threaten future production permits.

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economy Minería Chilena

Codelco-Anglo American Joint Mining Plan Clears Regulatory Hurdles

The Andina-Los Bronces joint mining plan between Codelco's Andina Division and Anglo American's Los Bronces operation received regulatory approval including clearance from China's State Administration for Market Regulation. The agreement was originally signed in September 2025.

WHY IT MATTERS Regulatory approval enables operational synergies between adjacent copper operations, potentially setting precedent for future industry consolidation in Chile.

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economy Minería Chilena

Chilean Mining Industry Opposes Diesel Tax Increases

The Mining Council president Joaquín Villarino opposed the government's proposed diesel tax modification, arguing mining equipment does not use public roads and should not bear fuel tax increases. The dispute centers on technical design of taxation versus mining industry cost pressures.

WHY IT MATTERS Fuel tax disputes highlight ongoing tension between Chilean government revenue needs and mining industry cost competitiveness in global markets.

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economy Minería Chilena

Atacama Region Diversifies Beyond Copper and Lithium Exports

Atacama region exports of non-copper, non-lithium products reached US$920 million in January-February, a 72.7% increase year-over-year, led by gold (US$604 million) and iron (US$253 million) derivatives. The surge reflects strong international demand for alternative commodities.

WHY IT MATTERS Export diversification reduces Chile's dependence on traditional commodities and demonstrates the region's potential for broader mineral development.

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economy NASDAQ Mining

Brazilian Coffee Farmers Withhold Supplies, Driving Price Rally

Arabica coffee futures surged 3.96% to seven-week highs on Tuesday as Brazilian farmers hold back supplies in anticipation of higher prices. Robusta also gained 0.69%.

WHY IT MATTERS Supply withholding by Brazilian producers signals coordinated market manipulation that could sustain elevated coffee prices through 2026.

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economy NASDAQ Mining

West African Fertilizer Disruption Threatens Cocoa Production

Cocoa futures in New York and London rose 1.73% and 1.44% respectively on Tuesday amid concerns that Strait of Hormuz closure will constrain fertilizer supplies to West Africa. Price gains were supported by short-covering driven by supply tightness concerns.

WHY IT MATTERS Fertilizer supply disruption could exacerbate cocoa production deficits in Ghana and Ivory Coast, prolonging the global cocoa crisis.

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