Producers like BHP and Glencore are pitching sites to pilot technologies including electrolysis plants, trolley-assist haulage and regenerative braking.
BHP, which operates the world’s biggest copper mine in Chile, has dangled $10 billion to develop more resources in the country if those uncertainties are finally resolved.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries or deaths from the latest dam wall collapse at the dormant diamond mine, which was once owned by De Beers.