Chile is the world’s copper powerhouse, home to the largest known reserves of this essential metal. Yet, much of our copper still leaves the country as concentrate, with limited local value added. In today’s context, marked by rising copper prices, the clean energy transition, and increasing environmental and social expectations, Chile faces a timely opportunity: How do we evolve from being just a supplier of raw material to a leader in copper transformation and sustainability? What Can We Learn from the World? Let’s take a look at how different countries have tackled this challenge: China didn’t let a lack of resources stop it. By building massive refining capacity, it became the heart of the global copper supply chain. Zambia took a smart route by embracing efficient technologies like ISASMELT, allowing it to boost local refining and add value at home. In Canada, the Horne Smelter is showing how recycling and clean practices can go hand in hand in modern copper processing. Bulgaria’s...
To Smelt or Not to Smelt (Translation of an older LinkedIn post that’s still relevant) SPCC ISASMELT (TM) Shell A Familiar Debate Resurfaces Given the high copper prices, we've seen in recent months, perhaps reaching their peak, or perhaps not, and the current momentum toward political change, along with the upcoming presidential elections, the recurring debate over whether or not to implement a new mining royalty comes to mind once again. Introducing a new royalty might seem like the “easiest” way to add value to copper, especially considering the limited scale of Chile’s manufacturing industry. But how sustainable can these measures really be? Beyond Royalties: Rethinking Value Creation So, how can we truly add value or extend the copper value chain? One big question immediately comes to mind: To Smelt or Not to Smelt? The Legacy of Extraction-Driven Development Many of Chile’s major copper mines were developed decades ago by foreign companies, whose primary goal was to secure ...