Industrial Association of Chile Calls on Mining Companies and Suppliers to Business Roundtable

The Antofagasta Industrialists Association (AIA) has scheduled a major business roundtable for August 6, 2026, to initiate Chile’s mining month celebrations. Backed by industry giants such as BHP, Codelco, and Albemarle, the event is designed to facilitate direct engagement between mining operators and the supplier ecosystem to foster new project collaborations. This initiative is vital for the Mining & Metals sector as it addresses the strategic need for innovation and strengthened production linkages in the Antofagasta Region.

The 2026 Mining Month Business Roundtable, organized by the AIA in coordination with the Chilean Ministry of Mining, will feature participation from major producers including SQM and Novandino. The event is timed to coincide with the lead-up to Miner’s Day on August 10, a date established by Law 20.363 to honor the patron saint of miners. By hosting these direct meeting spaces, the AIA aims to drive regional competitiveness and create a platform where suppliers can align their services with the evolving demands of large-scale mining operations.

The strategic importance of the supplier network is highlighted by the fact that 75% of the Chilean mining workforce is employed by these companies. For suppliers, the roundtable offers a critical opportunity to connect with decision-makers from major firms, allowing them to present specialized value propositions and understand the specific operational challenges of the industry. This collaboration is viewed as a primary engine for job creation and the overall development of the mining segment in Chile.

The scale of the Chilean mining ecosystem is further evidenced by the Supplier Companies Qualification System (SICEP), which currently includes 3,700 enrolled companies. Recent industry events organized by the AIA and SICEP have seen significant engagement, such as the National Meeting of Mining Suppliers 2026, which attracted over 800 companies. In previous business rounds, the platform facilitated 350 face-to-face meetings, reflecting a high level of dynamism and a robust range of service offerings within the regional supply chain.