Brazil rare earths Rio Grande Rise: offshore claim targets critical minerals

Brazil

Brazil rare earths Rio Grande Rise ambitions intensify as its UN claim advances. Brazil rare earths Rio Grande Rise could unlock a vast offshore resource. Brazil rare earths Rio Grande Rise also reinforces the nation’s Blue Amazon strategy. Officials aim to expand rights over mining, energy, and fisheries.

Offshore scope and resource potential

The Rio Grande Rise spans about 500,000km² in the South Atlantic. It sits roughly 1,200km off Rio Grande do Sul. Studies flag rare earths alongside red clays, basalt, and manganese crusts. These deposits include NdPr, Dy, Tb, and other magnet metals. Therefore, Brazil sees high-value opportunities for batteries and clean tech.

Brazil already holds significant rare earth reserves onshore. The claim could extend access into a new marine province. Meanwhile, UNCLOS procedures guide shelf limits and sovereign rights. If approved, Brazil gains stronger control over exploration. That would accelerate investment screening and early baseline surveys.

Strategic stakes for supply chains and energy

The bid aligns with Brazil’s Blue Amazon development plan. The plan spans offshore minerals, renewables, and hydrocarbons. Global rare earth reserves reached 130mn tonnes in 2023. Brazil holds about 16%, behind Vietnam and tied with China. As a result, diversified offshore feed could bolster security of supply.

Downstream industries need stable magnet and catalyst inputs. EVs, wind turbines, and electronics drive that demand. However, environmental safeguards and data transparency remain vital. Therefore, Brazil must balance exploration with marine stewardship.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This seabed push is about leverage, not near-term output. The value lies in optionality during tight rare earth cycles. Watch UN milestones, baseline ecology work, and any pilot sampling plans.

Mantoverde expansion permit clears path for Capstone’s MV-O project

Capstone Copper

Mantoverde expansion permit clears Capstone’s path to build the MV-O project. The Atacama commission granted the DIA, enabling immediate pre-construction steps. The Mantoverde expansion permit boosts capacity and extends the mine life.

Throughput, mine life, and incremental copper

Mantoverde currently produces 120,000 tonnes of copper sulfides each year. MV-O lifts concentrator throughput from 32,000 to 45,000 tonnes per day. The expansion adds about 20,000 tonnes of copper annually. Mine life extends from 19 to 25 years under MV-O. Capex totals about $150 million, according to the plan.

Permitting status and construction timing

The DIA is the only major permit required for MV-O. Capstone can start construction after final regulatory approvals. Capstone owns 70% of Mantoverde in Chile’s Atacama region. The Mantoverde expansion permit provides schedule certainty for contractors. The project supports more efficient sulfide processing at scale.

The Metalnomist Commentary

A modest capex for meaningful copper growth is strategically attractive. Execution risk concentrates in schedule discipline, power reliability, and ramp efficiency. Watch how quickly Capstone advances procurement and early works.

Argentina mining permits and incentives fast-tracked for copper, gold, and lithium

Argentina Mining

Argentina mining permits and incentives are being fast-tracked to accelerate investment. The policy takes effect immediately for new and existing applications. Officials aim to cut bureaucracy and unlock copper, gold, and lithium projects.

What changes for investors

The reform streamlines the tax stability certificate process. Companies no longer submit exhaustive multi-level tax receipts and thousand-field forms. Instead, firms provide feasibility study dates, annual returns, and independent technical assessments.

Governance and institutional roles

The decree assigns geological verification to Segemar, a private mining institution. The national ministry will focus on policy and oversight. All geological and scientific data remain publicly accessible.

For developers, Argentina mining permits and incentives now move faster through government channels. Shorter timelines reduce holding costs and financing risk for large projects. Therefore, copper, gold, and lithium pipelines could reach sanctions earlier.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The overhaul tackles the right bottlenecks but shifts diligence onto third parties. Execution will depend on Segemar capacity and provincial alignment. Watch approval lead times and how the tax freeze shapes capital costs.

BYD Brazil car assembly begins at Camacari, targeting rapid scale-up

BYD Brazil

BYD Brazil car assembly started on 1 July with SKD kits at Camacari. The launch covers three best-selling models for the local market. The plant’s start slipped from March after a labor investigation. BYD Brazil car assembly anchors the company’s Latin America strategy.

Ramp-up plan and localization

BYD plans 50,000 cars per year initially, rising to 150,000 in 2026. The factory targets 600,000 vehicles annually within five years. For 12 months, operations focus only on SKD assembly. Afterward, full vehicle manufacturing will begin in Brazil. Therefore, BYD Brazil car assembly will transition to deeper localization. BYD will source parts from 106 Brazilian suppliers after the SKD phase. Only Continental Tires supplies from day one due to a neighboring plant. Camacari aims for full operational status by December 2026. Full capacity will be reached gradually by 2031.

Models, powertrains, and export strategy

The plant first assembled the all-electric Dolphin Mini, branded Dolphin Surf in Europe. It will also assemble the Song Plus PHEV and Sedan King. BYD partnered with Brazilian scientists on a flex-fuel hybrid powertrain. The system runs on gasoline or ethanol, matching local fuel economics. Meanwhile, Camacari will initially serve only Brazil. As a result, exports to Argentina, Chile, and Colombia will follow later.

The localization path supports tax efficiency and supply resilience in Brazil. Flex-fuel PHEVs address consumer preferences in a 90% flex-fuel market. Therefore, the Camacari investment positions BYD for share gains. The phased approach also limits execution risk during ramp-up.

The Metalnomist Commentary

BYD’s SKD-to-full-build roadmap smartly balances speed, cost, and policy alignment. Success hinges on supplier onboarding, flex-fuel calibration, and quality consistency at higher volumes.

Ero Copper commercial production begins at Tucumã mine in Brazil

Ero Copper

Ramp-up performance and capacity

Ero Copper commercial production at Tucumã began on 1 July in Pará. The open-pit mine has reached sustained throughput above 75% of design. A third filter press and process upgrades supported the milestone.

Recent output confirms a steady ramp-up at Tucumã. Second-quarter production was about 6,400 tonnes of copper. About 2,000 tonnes were produced in late June alone. Recoveries and concentrate grades meet or exceed design targets.

Installed equipment enables further throughput gains in coming months. Therefore, Ero Copper expects higher production in the second half.

Market impact and outlook

Ero Copper commercial production adds new Brazilian supply to the copper market. Strong recoveries improve cash costs and revenue per tonne. Meanwhile, consistent grades support reliable concentrate marketing. Sustained ramp-up will guide 2025 guidance and contract planning.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Commercial status de-risks Tucumã’s contribution and improves visibility on unit costs. Watch bottleneck management, tailings handling, and grade control through ramp-up.

Chile Leads Global Lithium and Copper Exports in 2024

Chile Copper Mining

Copper exports strengthen Chile’s global leadership

Chile maintained its position as the world’s leading copper exporter in 2024, driving both value and volume. The Chile lithium and copper exports reached over $50bn, accounting for 15pc of global copper trade, according to Subrei. The country produced 5.3mn t of copper, or 23pc of global output, with state-owned Codelco contributing 1.44mn t. Chile dominated shipments of copper concentrates and cathodes, with the EU sourcing 39pc of its cathode imports from Chile and India receiving a third of its concentrates from Chilean producers.

Lithium exports secure global dominance

Although second to Australia in lithium production, Chile led the world in lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) exports. The Chile lithium and copper exports accounted for 78pc of global LCE trade, worth $2.6bn. Chile produced 285,000t of LCE in 2024, with SQM maintaining exclusive production and sales of lithium hydroxide domestically. Major markets for Chile’s LCE included China, the US, the EU and Japan, while lithium hydroxide exports were focused on Brazil and the US.

Chile also led in molybdenum, securing the top spot in exports of molybdenum oxides and hydroxides with a 40pc share, and roasted oxides with 33pc of global trade. It ranked fourth globally in ferro-molybdenum exports, reinforcing its role as a critical supplier of strategic minerals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile’s dual dominance in lithium and copper exports highlights its pivotal role in global supply chains for energy transition metals. However, this dependence on a narrow set of commodities exposes the country to price volatility and geopolitical risk. Strategic investment in downstream processing and value-added production could strengthen Chile’s industrial resilience.

Ecuador to Resume Large-Scale Copper Mining Concessions by 2026

Ecuador Mining

Government Prepares to Reopen Mining Concession System

Ecuador will restart medium- and large-scale copper mining concessions by March 2026, according to energy minister Ines Manzano. The country has not granted new concessions since January 2018, marking a major policy shift under President Daniel Noboa’s administration.

The mining cadaster, a public register managed by regulatory agency Arcom, reopened on 16 June for small non-metallic concessions such as limestone and cement. Authorities will extend the process to small-scale metallic concessions in September 2025, before moving to large-scale copper and other metals.

Copper Sector Central to Ecuador’s Growth Plan

Ecuador is building a new digital system to consolidate data on mining concessions, including dormant licenses since 2021. By March 2026, these areas will be reassigned to the ministry of energy, creating opportunities for new investors.

The government aims to double concession areas from 1.6mn to 3.2mn hectares, equal to 6pc of Ecuador’s territory. This expansion underscores the country’s plan to boost copper mining output, with recent data showing 188,920t of copper concentrate exports from January-April 2025, a 9pc increase year-on-year.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ecuador’s decision to relaunch copper mining concessions highlights its intent to attract foreign investment and strengthen exports. However, regulatory consistency and political stability will be critical for investor confidence. The success of this reopening will depend on how effectively Ecuador balances environmental, community, and economic priorities.

Viridion Considers US Rare Earth Refinery to Boost Supply Chains

Viridion

Viridion Evaluates Refining Expansion in US and Brazil

Brazilian rare earth producer Viridion is weighing the construction of a rare earth refinery in the United States alongside a magnet refining and recycling facility in Brazil. Viridion is a joint venture between Australia’s Viridis Mining and Minerals and Ionic Rare Earths (IonicRE). The initiative follows recent funding support under Brazil’s $1.4bn Strategic Minerals Transformation Initiative, led by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development.

An internal study suggested that a proposed US refinery in Tennessee could produce 4,000 t/yr of separated rare earth oxides (REOs). The project would leverage proximity to potential partners while securing downstream processing capacity for non-Chinese supply chains.

US Refinery to Process Feed from Uganda’s Makuutu Project

The proposed Tennessee facility would process mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from IonicRE’s 60pc-owned Makuutu Rare Earth Project in Uganda. The Makuutu project stands out for its 45pc medium and heavy rare earths content, one of the highest reported concentrations globally. These elements, including dysprosium and terbium, are critical for permanent magnets in clean energy and defense industries.

Meanwhile, Viridion continues to advance recycling initiatives in Brazil. In May, the company delivered its first batch of recycled magnet REOs to local partners. Discussions are ongoing for pilot plant sites that could scale into full refineries and recycling hubs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Viridion’s dual focus on US refining and Brazilian recycling underscores the geopolitical urgency of rare earth diversification. If realized, the Tennessee facility could reduce Western reliance on Chinese separation capacity, while Brazil positions itself as a recycling hub. Success will depend on financing, permitting, and securing offtake agreements in both markets.

Peru Mining Exports Rise in First Quarter 2025

Peru Mining

Strong Growth in Gold, Copper, and Other Metals

Peru’s mining exports increased significantly in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting strong global demand for metals. According to the energy and mines ministry (Minem), gold exports surged 52.4pc, while tin rose 46.5pc, zinc gained 33.8pc, silver expanded 31.2pc, and copper climbed 21.8pc. These metals remain essential for construction, electronics, and renewable energy technologies, supporting their robust global demand.

The value of exported mining products reached $13.7bn during the period, up 27.3pc from last year. Metallic mineral exports represented $13.5bn of the total, a 28.2pc year-on-year increase. Mining exports now account for 66pc of Peru’s overall export value, underscoring the sector’s dominance in the national economy.

Copper Production and Investment Outlook

Copper production in Peru is projected to reach 2.8mn t in 2025, up from 2.7mn t last year. The country’s copper exports primarily go to Italy, China, the US, and Brazil, highlighting its central role in global supply chains. Mining investment surpassed $1.4bn between January and April 2025, representing a 7.3pc increase, with a planned $4.8bn in investment for the full year.

Peru remains the world’s second-largest producer of zinc and molybdenum, the third-largest producer of copper and silver, and the fourth in tin and lead, according to Minem. These rankings confirm the country’s critical role in global mining markets and its growing importance as a reliable supplier for energy transition industries.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Peru’s robust mining export growth reinforces its role as a cornerstone of global metals supply chains. The combination of higher production and increased foreign demand positions Peru strongly, but reliance on global commodity cycles remains a key risk for sustained growth.

Brazil Allocates R5bn to Boost Critical Minerals Development

Bndes

Funding Expands Rare Earths, Lithium, and Graphite Projects

Brazil has awarded R5bn ($908mn) to support 56 critical mineral and research projects, signaling stronger investment in strategic resources. The funding, provided by the state development bank BNDES and federal agency Finep, will support mining and innovation initiatives tied to the energy transition.

Over 30% of the funds are directed toward rare earths and lithium, while graphite, copper, and silicon also feature prominently. The selection process included 53 companies, with major recipients such as Stellantis and Weg advancing energy and mobility-related projects.

High Demand Outpaces Available Financing

Brazil received requests for R45.8bn ($8.2bn), but only a fraction was financed. This underscores the strong demand for critical mineral project funding, with only R5bn allocated in the initial round. Applicants now must decide by 25 July whether to pursue loans, equity, grants, or subsidies.

Projects targeting platinum group metals, nickel, niobium, and titanium also received backing, highlighting Brazil’s broad resource base. The program prioritizes projects with research and development plans that support decarbonization and clean energy technologies.

Brazil’s Strategic Position in Global Supply Chains

Brazil holds leading reserves of niobium, graphite, nickel, rare earths, silicon, and lithium. This positions the country as a critical supplier in global energy transition supply chains. According to BNDES, Brazil is the world’s top niobium producer and ranks among the top five globally for several other strategic minerals.

The allocation of funds aims to accelerate local processing, innovation, and integration into global supply chains. As energy security and geopolitical pressures reshape markets, Brazil’s role in critical minerals is likely to grow in importance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Brazil’s R5bn critical minerals funding demonstrates strategic prioritization of resources essential to the energy transition. While financing demand far exceeded available capital, the program highlights Brazil’s ambition to move beyond raw exports toward innovation-driven value chains. Long-term success will hinge on ensuring that projects deliver both economic returns and sustainability outcomes.

Chile Copper Mining Power Demand to Surge by 2034

Chile Copper

Rising Energy Needs Driven by Processing Shifts

Chile’s copper mining sector will face a sharp rise in power demand over the next decade. According to Cochilco, the state copper commission, the industry will require 32.5TWh of electricity in 2034, up 21% from 26.9TWh in 2024. In contrast, copper production will only expand by 5.6% to reach 5.7mn tonnes in the same period. The mismatch highlights the growing energy intensity of mining operations as ore grades decline.

A higher proportion of copper concentrate production and the increased use of desalinated seawater will drive demand. Cochilco estimates copper concentration will consume 18.7TWh in 2034, or 58% of the sector’s total power. Meanwhile, desalination and pumping water to arid northern mines will account for 5.4TWh, representing 17% of consumption.

Transition to Renewables Amid Rising Costs

Chile’s copper industry has already shifted much of its energy base toward renewables. By 2024, renewables represented 74% of the sector’s electricity use, with contracts steadily renegotiated away from fossil fuels. Cochilco forecasts this share will rise to 78% by 2026. Despite this progress, the overall growth in electricity demand underscores potential cost pressures and supply security challenges for producers.

Copper mining already accounts for one-third of Chile’s total power consumption, and the anticipated rise may stress the country’s grid capacity. Therefore, balancing sustainable energy supply with rising industrial needs will be central to maintaining Chile’s global copper dominance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile’s copper sector is entering an era where energy demand grows faster than metal output. The transition to cleaner power sources is vital, but rising electricity costs and desalination needs will weigh on margins. Global buyers of copper should expect long-term pricing influenced not only by supply-demand balances but also by the escalating energy footprint of mining operations.

Chile Advances Direct Lithium Extraction Technology at Altoandinos

Enami

Breakthrough in Lithium Recovery and Sustainability

Chilean state-owned miner Enami has reported promising results from testing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology at its Altoandinos project, the country’s largest undeveloped lithium deposit. Eight international laboratories participated in the tests, which demonstrated a dramatic reduction in water consumption to 36m³ per metric tonne of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) — 55 times less than conventional evaporation pond methods. Lithium recoveries also improved sharply, rising from 42% in traditional processes to an average of 92%.

The DLE method also reduces land use, with a proposed 75,000t per year plant requiring only 10 hectares compared with 1,020 hectares for evaporation ponds. This efficiency addresses one of the key environmental challenges facing Chile’s salt lake ecosystems, which have been under increasing scrutiny from environmental groups and regulators.

Strategic Project Development with Rio Tinto

Enami plans to invest around $3 billion to develop Altoandinos in northern Chile’s Atacama region in partnership with Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. The deposit hosts an estimated 15 million tonnes of LCE resources across the Aguilar, La Isla, and Grande salt lakes. Agreements have been secured with six indigenous communities in the region, ensuring local stakeholder involvement in the project’s advancement.

This initiative aligns with Chile’s national lithium strategy, launched in April 2023, which targets increased lithium production while safeguarding fragile salt lake ecosystems. The strategy mandates a transition from evaporation-based extraction to DLE and sets a goal of protecting at least 30% of salt lake environments.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile’s successful DLE test results could significantly reshape the global lithium supply chain by lowering environmental impacts while boosting yields. If scaled effectively, Altoandinos could emerge as a model for sustainable lithium production, positioning Chile as a leader in both output and ecological stewardship. The real test will be maintaining these efficiencies at commercial scale while navigating regulatory and community engagement challenges.

Ecuador’s New Copper Mining Fee Could Cost Producers Up to $15mn Annually

Ecuador copper

High Costs Threaten Early-Stage Projects

Ecuador has introduced a new “supervision and control fee” for copper mining concessions, potentially costing major producers up to $15mn per year. The mining regulator Arcom will charge $118–$470 per hectare, depending on the project phase, with the aim of funding efforts to combat illegal mining.

Industry leaders warn that the measure could threaten projects that have yet to begin production. Maria Eulalia Silva, president of Ecuador’s mining chamber, called the fee “unfeasible” for early-stage projects without revenue. She cautioned that companies might return concessions unless the government revises the policy.

Major Projects Face Heavy Burden

Arcom expects to raise about $230mn annually from the fee. Projects in initial exploration will pay $118/ha, advanced exploration $353/ha, and production $470/ha. Medium-scale projects face fees of $94–$235/ha.

Ecsa, operator of the Panantza-San Carlos project, could pay $15mn annually for 38,548ha in initial exploration. Solgold’s Cascabel mine, now in production, faces a $5mn yearly fee for 5,000ha. Lumina’s Cangrejos project may pay $4mn per year, while Solaris’ Warintza project could owe $6mn annually.

The new fee coincides with Ecuador’s 2% year-on-year increase in Q1 2025 copper concentrate exports, totaling 150,672t. However, the higher costs may deter investment, especially in projects still years from production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ecuador’s fee underscores the delicate balance between securing public revenue and maintaining mining sector competitiveness. If unadjusted, it could slow project development, delay exports, and risk capital flight to more mining-friendly jurisdictions.

Ceibo Delivers First Copper Cathode Using Sulphide Leaching Technology in Chile

Ceibo

Innovative Technology Targets Low-Grade Copper Ores

Ceibo, a Chilean copper extraction technology firm backed by Australia’s BHP, has produced its first copper cathodes from a sulphide-leaching operation at Minera San Geronimo (CMSG) in northern Chile. The demonstration plant, constructed earlier this year, employs Ceibo’s proprietary technology to increase copper recovery from low-grade ores without major infrastructure upgrades. This innovation comes as the mining sector seeks efficient, lower-impact solutions to sustain long-term production.

Addressing Global Copper Supply Challenges

Ceibo’s technology has already achieved a 75pc recovery rate in under a year, showing strong potential for commercial scalability. The Paris-based IEA forecasts copper demand to grow by 30pc by 2040, with a looming 30pc primary supply deficit expected by 2035. As a result, technologies like sulphide leaching could play a critical role in bridging the supply gap while reducing environmental impacts. Several global firms are pursuing similar methods to boost extraction efficiency and meet accelerating demand from clean energy, EVs, and infrastructure projects.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ceibo’s milestone is a timely development for Chile’s copper sector, particularly as high-grade reserves decline. If scaled successfully, this technology could help secure Chile’s position as a leading copper supplier while mitigating environmental concerns and meeting the mining industry’s sustainability goals.

Aclara Produces First REE Concentrate in Brazil with Circular Mining Technology

Aclara Resources

Pilot Plant Targets Heavy Rare Earth Output Through August

Aclara Resources has produced its first rare earth elements (REE) concentrate at a pilot plant in Brazil, marking a key milestone in its integrated mining-to-magnet strategy. In May, the facility processed 14 metric tonnes (t) of ionic clay, yielding concentrates containing dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb). Operations will continue through August, with up to 200t of clays expected to generate approximately 150kg of heavy REE concentrates.

Sustainable Mining and Global Expansion Plans

The Brazilian pilot plant uses Aclara’s proprietary Circular Mineral Harvesting technology, which removes the need for tailings dams and reduces environmental impact. This facility is part of a broader strategy encompassing the Carina Project in Goias, Brazil, and the Penco Module in Chile’s Biobio Region. Aclara also plans to establish a rare earth separation facility in the US. The Carina Project aims to produce 4,736t/yr of total rare earth oxides, including 191t of DyTb, with commercial operations targeted for 2028.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aclara’s move to pilot REE production in Brazil positions it as a competitive player in the heavy rare earth market. Its low-impact extraction method addresses growing environmental concerns, while its integrated supply chain strategy could help secure critical minerals for the global magnet industry. The success of the Carina Project will be pivotal in determining its long-term market influence.

Chile to Approve Two More Lithium Concessions in Salar de Quillagua

Llamara Group

New CEOL Approvals Strengthen Chile’s Lithium Expansion Strategy

Chile’s mining ministry is advancing the approval process for two new special lithium operation contracts (CEOL) in the Salar de Quillagua salt flat. The approvals will go to two groups: the Llamara Group, a consortium of Chilean miners, and a Chilean-Canadian partnership formed by Sociedad Minera Aspromin, Wealth Minerals Chile, Inversiones Valeska Minerals, and Alto Exploradora. Each will be allowed to explore distinct northern and eastern sectors of the salt flat, with rights to exploit up to 80% of their allocated areas.

Indigenous Agreements and Global Lithium Competition

Before receiving final mining approval, both groups must secure agreements with indigenous communities potentially impacted by their operations. The mining ministry anticipates these negotiations will conclude within months; otherwise, a public bidding process will be launched. Since 2023, Chile has required all lithium projects to secure a CEOL via public-private partnerships, a framework designed to balance resource development with local and environmental considerations. This year alone, Chile has advanced five other CEOLs, awarded to companies including France’s Eramet, a joint venture between Eramet, Quiborax and state-owned Codelco, the Caliche Kairos consortium, and two to Rio Tinto.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile’s accelerated CEOL approvals signal a strategic push to strengthen its global position in the lithium market amid growing EV demand. However, the requirement for indigenous agreements underscores the country’s effort to balance economic growth with social responsibility. For international investors, timely alignment with local stakeholders will be crucial to securing long-term operational stability.

Teck Chilean Copper Operations Face Temporary Maintenance Shutdowns

Carmen de Andacollo mine

Teck Resources announced temporary halts affecting its Teck Chilean copper operations this week. The Carmen de Andacollo mine will shut for one month due to mill mechanical issues. Meanwhile, Teck Chilean copper operations at Quebrada Blanca require port facility repairs without production interruption.

Carmen de Andacollo Mill Repairs Trigger Production Pause

The Canadian miner identified critical mechanical problems requiring immediate mill maintenance attention. Teck will accelerate other planned maintenance activities during this unexpected shutdown period. Furthermore, the company maintains its annual copper production guidance despite disruptions. The one-month halt affects copper-gold output at this established Chilean operation.

Quebrada Blanca's shiploader also needs repairs lasting approximately one month. However, this port facility maintenance won't interrupt copper production activities. The mine continues operating while engineers address shiploader mechanical issues systematically.

Strategic Impact on Global Copper Supply

These maintenance challenges highlight operational complexities in Chilean copper mining operations. Chile produces nearly 25% of global copper supply, making disruptions market-sensitive. Therefore, Teck's ability to maintain guidance suggests robust operational flexibility exists. The company demonstrates effective crisis management through accelerated maintenance scheduling.

Teck Chilean copper operations remain crucial for North American supply chain security. Moreover, these temporary disruptions underscore aging infrastructure challenges across Chilean mining. As a result, miners must balance production targets with essential maintenance requirements. The global copper market watches Chilean operational updates closely for supply indicators.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Teck's maintenance challenges reflect broader Chilean copper sector infrastructure pressures as mines age and ore grades decline. The company's unchanged production guidance suggests built-in operational buffers, but simultaneous issues at two facilities raise questions about maintenance planning adequacy. With copper demand surging for energy transition applications, even minor disruptions gain outsized market attention.

Brazil Sues BYD for Human Trafficking and Slave-Like Labor Practices

Brazil BYD

$45 Million Lawsuit Targets BYD and Chinese Contractors Over Factory Construction Abuse

Brazil sues BYD for human trafficking and slavery, filing a R$257 million ($45 million) lawsuit against the Chinese EV giant and two of its service providers. The legal action, led by Brazil’s Labor Prosecution Office (MPT), alleges that BYD, along with JinJiang Construction and Tecmonta (formerly Tonghe), subjected 220 Chinese workers to slave-like labor conditions during the construction of BYD’s electric vehicle factory in Brazil.

Investigators found workers living in overcrowded dorms with no basic hygiene, armed security, and confiscated passports. Employment contracts contained illegal clauses, retaining 70% of wages and penalizing workers for early departure. Workers were forced to pay for their airfare back to China and lost all unpaid wages if they quit before six months. MPT is seeking both collective and individual compensation, plus a court-enforced compliance order against all three companies to uphold Brazilian labor laws.

Factory Opening Delayed as BYD Responds to Allegations

The abuses were first uncovered in December 2024, prompting an immediate halt to construction at the BYD site. Authorities described the conditions as consistent with modern-day slavery, with workers denied rest days and assigned just one bathroom for every 31 people. The MPT also confirmed all 220 workers entered Brazil on improper visas, classifying the case as human trafficking.

In response, BYD stated it has been cooperating with Brazilian authorities and intends to issue a formal statement. The company has already delayed the factory’s launch to late 2026. However, reputational damage may deepen as the Brazil sues BYD for human trafficking and slavery case draws global attention, particularly amid rising scrutiny of labor practices in critical mineral and green tech supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The BYD labor abuse case in Brazil underscores the hidden risks embedded in global clean energy supply chains. For a company at the forefront of the EV revolution, such allegations raise serious ESG and compliance concerns—especially as nations tighten enforcement on labor-linked due diligence in sourcing and industrial partnerships.

Argentina Targets Top Spot in Global Copper Production

Argentina Copper

Energy Transition Drives Argentina’s Copper Ambitions

Argentina aims to become a leading copper producer within the next decade, positioning itself as a critical player in the global energy transition. Although the country has not produced copper since 2018, a surge of new investments and policy reforms is transforming its mining landscape. The focus keyphrase, “Argentina copper production,” highlights the government’s strategic goal to leverage its vast mineral reserves.

Strategic Investments and RIGI Program Accelerate Growth

Argentina's mining secretary projects near-term copper output of 900,000 metric tonnes per year from seven advanced-stage projects, with potential to triple production if 15 additional ventures proceed. These seven projects alone could attract over $19 billion in investment. Much of the growth stems from the RIGI incentive program, launched by President Javier Milei's administration to encourage large-scale investments by offering tax breaks and legal certainty. As a result, international companies are showing renewed confidence in Argentina’s mining sector.

Vicuna Joint Venture Exemplifies Argentina’s Mining Revival

The Vicuna joint venture, formed by BHP and Lundin Mining, illustrates the impact of RIGI. It merges two major copper assets—Filo del Sol and Josemaria—which will produce a combined 200,000 tonnes annually. Vicuna’s total investment exceeds $5 billion, and the Filo del Sol discovery is hailed as the largest greenfield copper find in 30 years. Without the RIGI framework, stakeholders confirm this venture would not have materialized. Therefore, Argentina copper production is now seen as a viable and attractive avenue for global mining capital.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina's copper strategy showcases how policy, resource endowment, and global demand can align to reshape a nation’s industrial future. If project timelines and regulatory stability hold, Argentina could challenge Peru and China as a copper heavyweight—making it a linchpin in energy-transition supply chains.

Chile Rio Tinto Lithium Deposit Partnership Secures Largest Undeveloped Resource

Chile Rio Tinto

Chile Rio Tinto lithium deposit partnership emerged as Chile's national mining company Enami selected the Anglo-Australian miner to explore and develop the Altoandinos project, the country's largest undeveloped lithium deposit. The Chile Rio Tinto lithium deposit agreement establishes a public-private concession with Rio Tinto holding 51% ownership while Enami retains 49%, representing a combined $3 billion investment where Rio Tinto contributes $425 million for access to over 15 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent resources.

Competitive Selection Process Validates Rio Tinto's Technology Leadership

Chile Rio Tinto lithium deposit selection followed Enami's unanimous board decision choosing Rio Tinto from a competitive pool including China's BYD, France's Eramet, and South Korea's Posco. Rio Tinto's proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology provided the decisive advantage, offering faster and more environmentally friendly operations compared to traditional evaporation methods. The DLE approach eliminates brine evaporation requirements while accelerating production timelines and reducing environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Rio Tinto's Rincon plant in Argentina serves as a demonstration and pilot facility for Chilean operations since both brine deposits share similar chemical compositions. This existing operational experience provides technical validation and reduces development risks for the Altoandinos project. Rio Tinto will assume complete operational responsibility while financing the project through financial operation and contributing to pre-feasibility study expenses.

Massive Resource Scale Supports 75,000 Tonne Annual Production

However, the Altoandinos salt flat contains substantial lithium resources exceeding 15 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent with production capacity reaching 75,000 tonnes annually according to Enami projections. This production scale positions the project among global lithium industry leaders while supporting Chile's strategic objectives for lithium sector development. The resource magnitude justifies the $3 billion investment commitment from both partnership participants.

Therefore, the project timeline remains under development with no specific operational start date announced pending pre-feasibility study completion and regulatory approvals. The comprehensive development approach ensures technical optimization while addressing environmental and social considerations essential for sustainable lithium extraction. Rio Tinto's operational expertise combined with Enami's local knowledge creates optimal conditions for successful project implementation.

Strategic Expansion Reinforces Chile Lithium Market Leadership

Furthermore, the Altoandinos partnership follows Rio Tinto's recent selection by Chilean copper giant Codelco for the Maricunga salt flat exploration, representing Chile's second-largest undeveloped lithium deposit. This dual partnership positioning demonstrates Rio Tinto's strategic commitment to Chilean lithium development while reinforcing Chile's global lithium market leadership. The concurrent projects create synergies for technology deployment and operational efficiency.

As a result, Chile strengthens its position as the world's premier lithium jurisdiction through strategic partnerships with established international miners possessing advanced extraction technologies. The public-private partnership model enables state participation in resource development while leveraging private sector expertise and capital. This approach maximizes economic benefits while maintaining national control over strategic mineral resources essential for global energy transition.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile's selection of Rio Tinto for both the Altoandinos and Maricunga lithium projects demonstrates sophisticated resource development strategy that prioritizes advanced extraction technology and environmental sustainability over purely financial considerations. The emphasis on direct lithium extraction capabilities reflects Chile's commitment to maintaining global lithium leadership through technological innovation, particularly important as competition intensifies from emerging producers in Argentina, Australia, and other jurisdictions seeking market share.