US-Chile critical minerals talks kick off with new joint declaration

US-Chile

US-Chile critical minerals talks started in Santiago on President Jose Antonio Kast’s first day in office. US-Chile critical minerals talks aim to build stronger supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths. The two governments signed a joint declaration to launch technical work quickly.

The declaration sets a practical agenda for project selection and financing tools. Technical teams will identify “projects of interest” across critical minerals and rare earths. They will also examine scrap management and recycling pathways for strategic materials.

US-Chile critical minerals talks also reflect a reset after recent diplomatic friction. Relations cooled under former president Gabriel Boric, and visa revocations sharpened tensions. However, the new talks signal a shared focus on security and commercial stability.

What the discussions target for supply chains, scrap, and financing

The agenda prioritizes mechanisms that de-risk investment and shorten development timelines. Officials will explore public-private financing structures suited to large industrial projects. Therefore, policy design will matter as much as geology.

Scrap and end-of-life material flows also move into the center of the framework. Better tracking and processing can unlock domestic feedstock for rare earths. Meanwhile, scrap rules can reduce exposure to export controls and price shocks.

Why copper and lithium shape the strategic logic

Chile’s copper scale makes it essential to grid expansion and data center buildouts. Copper remains the most direct metal input to electrification infrastructure. As a result, supply chain cooperation can translate into real industrial resilience.

Lithium adds a second pillar to the relationship, even before new laws unlock full reserves. Chile already sits near the top of global lithium production. However, legacy restrictions have limited how fast untapped resources can convert into output.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This framework looks designed to turn diplomacy into bankable projects. However, execution will hinge on permitting speed and credible recycling economics. The winners will secure long-term offtake and transparent investment terms.