At least 176 environmental consultation processes are currently suspended, including for projects such as mining, waste treatment plants and dams, among others.

"Chile's new mining royalty law will not materially weaken the competitiveness of the country's copper mining sector, but it will increase taxes, modestly pressuring miners' cash flows," Fitch said.

The potential plants would be focused on producing low-carbon products such as green hydrogen and hot briquetted iron.

All Chile's lithium mining facilities have now completed the evaluation process preferred by EV manufacturers.

The company says its first resource estimate for the Carangas silver-gold project in Bolivia makes it notable worldwide.

BHP said it’s moving forward with studies into potentially replacing a concentrator at Escondida.

The state-run miner is not only battling to reignite copper production which is at its lowest level in 25 years, but is also facing calls to rein in its debt.