News of mining

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.

China's appetite for copper provides Chile with opportunity

26-02-2021 13:08 With the price of copper reaching a 10-year high thanks in no small part to China's insatiable appetite, Chile faces a "unique" opportunity, according to experts.

Argentina eyes lithium expansion, but hurdles may dampen ambitions

12-12-2020 08:48 Government sees lithium mining as a significant source of revenue in coming years, with officials hoping to boost production from 40,000 to more than 230,000 tons a year by 2022. Experts, however, warn that challenges lie ahead.

by Fermin Koop

Coronavirus halts lithium expansion in Argentina and Chile

23-05-2020 10:10 Projects under development halted and significant investments cancelled, as impact of Covid-19 pandemic begins to hit home.

by Fermin Koop

Argentina eager to boost lithium production, says official

24-01-2020 13:41 The government is determined to boost lithium and copper production, says mining secretary in Washington