What does APRIMIN’s 20th anniversary signify for the association?

Our inception aimed to amplify the visibility and value of providers throughout the mining supply chain. Celebrating 20 years is particularly monumental, highlighting our esteemed position and the prestigious partnerships we cultivated within the industry.

How is APRIMIN working to reduce the gender gap?

Unlike the rigid shift systems prevalent in direct mining operations, many suppliers boast more flexible working arrangements. This flexibility stems from the varied nature of our work, encompassing engineering firms, contractual roles, and more. Our workforce requirements extend beyond traditional mining roles to include professionals like doctors, journalists, lawyers, and others who support the mining industry's broader ecosystem. Many more employment opportunities can be found in service providers. In APRIMIN we have 28% female participation, which is indebted to the types of services we offer.

How can the industry attract new talent?

In Chile, nearly 50% of young people have no interest in working in mining. Our job is to inform young people, from an early age, what mining is. Chile is a mining country but does not have mining education in schools. This must change. Students must be encouraged to enter STEM fields and work in training programs to be exposed to the benefits of working in the industry. Society and the state must realize a whole ecosystem benefits from mining activities, not just the miners themselves.

How is APRIMIN promoting sustainability?

Service providers, as specialized private companies, possess a unique advantage in identifying areas to enhance operations, particularly with environmental improvements in mind. We promote the application of an emission calculator to provide a baseline for the operations of our suppliers; without it, there is no way to improve. Many of our members are working towards net zero, and we are working together to help them achieve it.

What challenges is the Chilean mining industry facing and how can they be overcome?

According to Cochilco, Chile is expected to receive around US$65.71 billion in mining investments, a drop from previous estimates, which, five years ago, anticipated around US$70 billion. Productivity in Chile is also declining terribly. Suppliers, and APRIMIN, have a lot to bring to the table to solve these problems.

In terms of permits, there are numerous actions we can undertake to expedite the process without necessitating new legislation. For instance, simplifying the accreditation of teams and streamlining the approval for exceptional shifts can significantly reduce waiting times.

We have taken proactive steps towards improving efficiency, notably through our Productivity and Approval Committee. This committee is developing a system for the standardization of entry requirements for all mines, to shorten the time it takes for teams and companies to start operating on-site.

What is the state of technology adoption in Chile?

As suppliers, we are fundamentally driven by innovation and technology—it's the cornerstone of our value proposition. Without it, achieving world-class status, which we continuously strive for with our partners, would be unattainable.

Suppliers inherently have testing facilities, research and development centers, and brand protection mechanisms in place. In Chile, it is essential to give these innovation hubs greater visibility and support. They are the breeding grounds for the advancements we seek to standardize across the industry. While many of these centers are currently overseas due to regulatory and cost barriers, our goal is to facilitate a more conducive environment for them to establish directly in Chile. By doing so, we can foster a culture of innovation within the local mining sector, driving progress and maintaining our competitive edge on the global stage.

What are APRIMIN’s goals?

APRIMIN's current initiatives focus on investment and productivity. Our goal is to foster a supportive environment for new investments in Chile, especially as we anticipate a significant surge in copper demand. International analysts predict a doubling of copper demand. However, there is concern about whether Chile's current productivity levels and output are sufficient to capitalize on this impending boom. APRIMIN is dedicated to collaborative efforts with key industry players such as Consejo Minero, the government, and various committees. We aim to prepare the mining industry to meet the rising demand efficiently. By enhancing productivity and attracting investment we strive to ensure that Chile remains a leading force in the global mining industry, ready to leverage the upcoming opportunities in copper and beyond.