Antofagasta, which operates copper mines in Chile, last tapped global debt markets in 2022 when it sold $500 million in 10-year bonds.

The company’s reputation is in tatters after a series of missteps sent its value plunging by half. And now industry heavyweight BHP is moving in.

The Chilean peso is up 3.4% in April, the only currency to have risen against the dollar in the month.

"We have to take advantage of this super-cycle of copper that has been spoken of positively in recent days," Boric said on Thursday.

Questioned about potential interest in Anglo's assets, CEO Bartolomeo also said that Vale would "clearly" be interested.

Earnings were lower copper, molybdenum and zinc prices.

Tianqi also said not enough financial information has been given to determine the impact on SQM operations from the deal.