News of mining

Colombian forces kill FARC dissident leader

18-07-2022 14:19 Death of rebel leader Nestor Vera described by Colombian government as “final blow” to FARC.

Brazilian Amazon lost 18 trees per second in 2021

18-07-2022 13:18 18 trees lost per second from Brazilian Amazon in 2021, according to new report. Deforestation is up 20 percent.

Chile to cushion the blow of glacier ban on giant copper mines

24-05-2022 15:08 Chile’s government is looking at a gradual implementation for a proposed ban on mining near glaciers in order to limit the impact on some of the world’s biggest copper mines and their planned projects.

Hunt for lithium sparks frantic rush into Argentina's mountains

24-05-2022 13:20 Looming shortage of lithium, key for electric vehicles, gives Argentina a chance to become a mining mecca.

Mexico seeks lithium ‘partnership’ with Argentina, Bolivia and Chile

03-05-2022 14:32 Mexico seeking alliance with Argentina, Bolivia and Chile to share experiences regarding exploitation of lithium, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Tuesday.

Crypto miners threaten frail energy grid at the end of the world

29-04-2022 08:20 Argentina’s crypto frenzy is putting the energy grid of a small province in Patagonia near a breaking point.

How China beat out the United States to dominate South America

18-02-2022 22:29 It’s no secret that China has been pouring resources into South America this century, chipping away at the United States' historic dominance. But an important shift has gone largely unnoticed in the country's approach to the region: going local to expand and strengthen its financial grip.

Copper majors are taking another look at Argentina, McEwen says

20-01-2022 18:52 Vast deposits and more welcoming policies have turned Argentina into a lithium hot-spot in recent years. Now the global copper industry is taking another look at the nation. 

Deepwater oil targeted by Argentine activists who quashed mining

11-01-2022 21:50 After a recent victory in Chubut Province, environmental activists in Argentina are trying to prevent new oil exploration in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio Tinto buys US$825-million lithium project in battery push

21-12-2021 18:24 Rio Tinto Group agrees to buy a lithium mine in Argentina for US$825 million as the world’s second-biggest miner accelerates its push into battery materials. 

Pan American Silver soars after long-awaited Argentina approval

16-12-2021 13:36 Lawmakers in Chubut vote in favour of a zoning law allowing mining in the Gastre-Telsen zone of the province.

Clashes in Rawson after Chubut Legislature approves mega-mining project

16-12-2021 13:26 Lawmakers in Chubut approve controversial project by 14 to 11; Arrests and injuries after police clamp down on protesters in Rawson; Legislation authorises mining – without the use of cyanide – in the region's central plateau.

Lithium's rally isn't slowing as costs rise for electric vehicles, batteries

03-11-2021 07:00 Electric vehicles have lithium booming — and this time, there is no bust in sight.

Critics question climate crisis benefits of deep seabed mining

16-10-2021 09:00 Commercial mining of the deep seafloor is not yet happening, but momentum is building. In response, a growing number of experts are sounding the alarm about a variety of environmental, food security, financial, and biodiversity concerns.

by Marta Montojo & Ian Urbina

Chile's opposition accuses President Piñera after Pandora Papers report

06-10-2021 13:01 Opposition lawmakers in Chile said Tuesday they will present a parliamentary charge that could lead to the removal of President Sebastian Piñera following allegations related to the Pandora Papers leak.

Argentina’s CNV mulls allowing foreign listings on local markets

02-10-2021 07:56 National Securities Commission calls for public consultation to potentially allow foreign issuers to list securities on Argentina's local markets.

Cheap electricity a boon for bitcoin mining in cash-strapped Venezuela

01-09-2021 12:55 In crisis-stricken Venezuela, crypto mining presents an economic opportunity for a lucky few, made possible by one of the world's lowest electricity prices.

Illegal mining on Brazil indigenous land up 500% in a decade

30-08-2021 21:53 Illegal mining expanded by nearly 500% on protected indigenous reservations in Brazil in a decade, and by more than 300% on protected park lands, according to a new study.

Crypto mining booms on cheap, subsidised energy in Argentina

31-05-2021 10:41 Bitcoin miners are capitalising on the inefficiencies of the country’s interventionist economy to reap outsize returns, fuelled by memories of currency busts and powered by government-subsidised electricity.

Billionaire miner ready to bet on Argentina as Chile risk grows

19-05-2021 14:12 In a sign of South America’s shifting political winds, a billionaire mining clan is holding off on new investments in Chile because of country risk while looking to move forward with a huge spend in Argentina.