Potential problems in the horizon for Seabridge Gold's proposed gold, copper, silver and molybdenum mine in northern British Columbia, just 30 km from the Alaska border.
The country is also struggling with rising energy cost, which threatens the competitiveness of its copper industry and poses a major challenge for new developments.
Laura Albornoz, the first woman appointed director of Chile's owned Codelco, is meeting unions next week as she gets ready to vote on the company's budget.
Keller had been commended for his efforts to overhaul old mines and cut costs at Codelco, but his tough style is said to have triggered tensions within the company and its powerful unions.