A reflection from Anglo American suggested that meeting energy-transition goals by 2040 could require the equivalent of some 80 projects the size of Los Bronces and 60 the size of Quellaveco. That is a daunting prospect as new mines face growing regulatory, social and environmental requirements.
Chile has a strategic opportunity to supply critical minerals reliably, safely and sustainably. Heavy transport, logistics infrastructure and technological innovation will be important enablers of more responsible, efficient mining. A shortage of new projects also changes the geopolitical map: countries able to provide dependable supply while meeting high social and environmental standards will play a larger role. Chile can and should be one of them.