Chilean mining faces growing challenges as copper deposits age and ore grades decline, increasing the need for more efficient extraction and processing technologies. To improve productivity, mining companies are accelerating digitalization, automation, and remote operations.

 

Water scarcity remains a key concern, driving investments in water efficiency, treatment, and desalination. Energy efficiency is also a priority, as mining accounts for about 30% of Chile's energy consumption and must meet regulatory requirements.

 

In tailings management, opportunities exist in dewatering, high-density stacking, monitoring, reprocessing, and environmental remediation. At the same time, the industry is pursuing ambitious decarbonization targets, particularly in large-scale mining. Medium-sized mines offer opportunities to address decarbonization gaps related to blasting, loading, transportation, and the availability of data and tools, among other areas. Shorter implementation timelines and greater opportunities for piloting and testing make this segment particularly attractive.

 

Safety remains a top priority across the sector following fatal incidents. Mining companies are increasingly seeking innovative technologies that enhance safety, productivity, sustainability, and operational resilience.

 

Aerospace technologies are of particular relevance given Chile's geography and the need to monitor extensive land, maritime, and border areas. Potential areas of cooperation include aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, satellite-based Earth observation, communications, navigation, surveillance, and other technologies that can strengthen defence capabilities while supporting civilian applications such as disaster management, wildfire monitoring, maritime surveillance, environmental protection, infrastructure monitoring, and emergency response.

 

Critical, secure, and resilient communications are another key area for both the Chilean Navy and Army. Opportunities include tactical communications, satellite connectivity, interoperable communication systems, secure data networks, and technologies that improve command, control, and operational awareness in remote and challenging environments. Finland's experience in developing reliable communications and digital solutions for demanding climatic and geographic conditions is particularly relevant to Chile.

 

The maritime sector also presents significant opportunities, particularly in shipbuilding and the construction of specialized vessels. Chile has an established naval and shipbuilding ecosystem and a growing interest in advanced vessel design, naval engineering, and technologies for ships operating in demanding environments. Potential areas of cooperation include the design and construction of naval, coast guard, and other specialized vessels, including ice-capable and icebreaking vessels, as well as propulsion systems, hydrodynamics, energy efficiency, ship automation, navigation, communications, surveillance, sensors, and other advanced onboard technologies.