Chile Mining Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, mining associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on Chile's mining industry.

Chile is the global copper capital, accounting for about 35% of the world copper output. Besides copper, the Chilean geology also hosts other significant metals and minerals including gold, silver, molybdenum, lithium, zinc and iron ore. In fact, gold exploration and mining in the country has also picked up steam in recent times, widening the prospects of the Chilean mining industry. Moreover, the country's mining industry highlights its importance for Chiles economy by contributing in double digits to its GDP.

The fall in commodity prices, and especially copper, has had a severe impact on the Chilean economy causing exports to fall by almost 25% in December 2008. As a result, in January 2009, according to BNamericas, Chiles government announced that it will invest US$1bn in the state-owned copper company Codelco as part of an economic stimulus package. The government's decision to invest US$1bn in Codelco will provide a large number of exploitation opportunities which, in turn, will generate additional employment opportunities in the country. Chile generates as much as 35% of the world's copper. Undoubtedly, mining forms a vital industry for the country, contributing more than 20% to the economy. Industrial growth up to 2012 is likely to be supported by an increase in copper mining throughout Chile.

Although a Chilean government report claims that copper production in Chile will rise by 3.7% in 2009, industry think tank CESCO takes a far more pessimistic view. As reported by Reuters in January 2009, CESCO believes that copper output will stand at around 5.3mn ounces in 2009, representing either stagnation or a marginal decline. With prices for copper falling to half the levels seen in September 2008, there are some grounds for CESCOs assessment. Indeed, copper miner Antofagasta has recently announced the closure of its Lince mine in northern Chile, citing lower prices. Also, out of the leading 19 copper mines in 2008, 10 saw production fall. Meanwhile, a study by CESCO claims that investments in the copper sector have fallen by 25% since September 2008. Of the postponed investments, approximately US$7bn is attributable to the world's largest miner BHP Billiton, which owns the largest copper mine in the world at Escondida, Chile.

A new Chilean mining law is on the anvil that seeks to further streamline the processes for better management of natural resources. Under the new law, mining and exploration companies will have to declare their reserves and resources, and report drilling results. The law also aims to facilitate funds for mining projects across the country. Besides the mining law, the Organic Constitutional Law on Mining Concessions (1982) and the Mining Code of 1983 are the two key mechanisms governing mining activities in the country.

Key Topics Covered:

• Executive Summary
• Industry Trends And Developments
• Key Metals Projects
• Business Environment
• Political Environment
• Industry Forecast Scenario
• Competitive Landscape
• Company Monitor
• Appendices

Companies Mentioned:

• Codelco
• Collahuasi
• Antofagasta

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/662102/chile_mining_repor