Chile and U.S. Forge New Mining and Security Alliances

Chile and the United States are poised to sign important agreements on mining and security. The security deal involves a $1 million fund from the U.S., as disclosed by the Chilean government.

The security agreement supplements existing cooperation agreements on narcotics control policies between the two countries. It will allow for the acquisition of necessary equipment, like vehicles and computers, to aid investigations into complex crimes, according to a statement by Chile’s Public Security Ministry.

Chilean Public Security Minister Trinidad Steinert told journalists that the pact is designed to enhance institutional capabilities to counter threats such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering, through technical cooperation and training. Key officials will participate in a signing ceremony in Santiago, including Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna, Minister of Mining and Economy Daniel Mas, and U.S. Undersecretary of State Thomas DiNanno.

Last month, Chile and the U.S. announced plans to discuss rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to synchronize public and private financing for mining initiatives and explore new projects to bolster mineral supplies. Annual meetings have been planned to review progress, according to the Chilean ministry.

The Chilean government is also working to expedite mining permit approvals to activate an investment pipeline exceeding $100 billion, said the Minister of Economy and Mining Daniel Mas in an interview with Chilean newspaper 'La Tercera'.