Chile cuts mining permitting times by up to 70%

[Ben Graham]

Chile’s Congress has approved sweeping legislation to slash permitting times for mining and energy projects, aiming to boost investment in the world’s top copper producer and second-largest lithium supplier.

The amendments, which passed with 93 votes in favour, 27 against, and 17 abstentions, amends over 40 sectoral regulations and now awaits the president’s signature to become law. The government says it will cut permit processing times by 30% to 70% without lowering environmental or regulatory standards.

“This will allow us to substantially reduce permitting times while maintaining our regulatory rigour,” Economy Minister Nicolás Grau said in a statement.

The long-awaited overhaul responds to pressure from the mining industry and renewable energy companies, which argued that protracted approval processes were stifling billions in potential investment. In the mining sector alone, project approvals can take up to 12 years.

Despite recent declines in copper production, Chile is projected to retain its position as the world’s leading copper producer. Its share of global copper output is expected to rise from 23.6% last year to 27.3% by 2034, according to country’s state copper commission, Cochilco.

Jorge Riesco, president of the National Mining Society (SONAMI), called the reform a step in the right direction but said more work is needed. “We value the efforts by the Executive Branch, particularly the Ministry of Economy, but we believe this is just the beginning,” he said.

The changes are expected to have the most impact in northern Chile’s Antofagasta region, a hub for mining investment. “Improved permitting timelines not only streamline project execution but also offer greater certainty for regional and national economic planning,” Matías Muñoz, Regional Secretary of Economy, noted.

A cornerstone of the reform is the institutionalization of the SUPER platform, which is a mandatory digital one-stop shop for permit applications. The system promises end-to-end traceability, service interoperability, and real-time case tracking. 

The online application portal will work alongside a newly established Sectoral Authorizations and Investment Office, which will coordinate, advise, and modernize the permitting framework.

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Related: BHP gives Chile a $14 billion reason to cut red tape for mines