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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.

Chile's international economic, trade, and security alliances
United States energy and power mix
Energy Raw Materials and products produced in Chile
Ceased Energy Raw Materials and products produced 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.

Critical Minerals, Energy, Policy and Legislation

SFA (Oxford) leads the way offering authoritative analysis of national policies to critical minerals management.

LithoX | Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The global energy transition to net zero is underway. Who is leading? How are supply chains being secured? How do the geopolitics vary? SFA (Oxford) provides a global overview of critical minerals, policy and legislation.

Rare Earths Elements

Critical components powering the global economy, from high-tech consumer electronics to essential renewable energy technologies.

Minor Metals and Minerals

Minor metals play a pivotal role in advancing the energy transition by enabling significant improvements in energy efficiency and the performance of clean energy technologies.

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

Dr Sandeep Kaler

Market Strategy Analyst

How can we help you?

SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.

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