• The minister held meetings with Japanese authorities and businesspersons to promote the investment opportunities that Chile offers in mining.

As part of her tour to Asia, Mining Minister Aurora Williams concluded her activities in Japan with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), headed by Minister Ken Saito. This memorandum promotes the exchange of knowledge between both countries, especially on issues related to technology and innovation. It also marks a milestone for Chilean-Japanese collaboration in the area of mining and critical minerals.

The Chilean delegation arrived in Tokyo following a series of activities in South Korea, with the aim of promoting investment opportunities in the lithium sector and strengthening technological cooperation for sustainable mining. Minister Williams held various meetings with Japanese authorities and companies, accompanied by InvestChile executives, the Chilean Ambassador to Japan, Ricardo Rojas, and the investment commissioner for Asia, Vicente Pinto.

During her visit to the Japanese capital, the minister met with the parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs, Yasushi Hosaka, where they discussed cooperation in technology, trade, science and mining. She also met with the president of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Michio Daitio, in order to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The tour concluded with the participation of Minister Williams in the “Critical Minerals and Sustainable Development of the National Lithium Strategy” seminar. In her presentation, the minister talked to Japanese companies and authorities about Chile’s new public policies regarding lithium and the opportunities that relate to them.

“The goal of this trip was to talk with South Korean and Japanese authorities and companies about the investment opportunities that are appearing in Chile, and to explain in detail the mechanisms that are being implemented for this. There is a high level of interest in obtaining lithium and copper from Chile, since there is a clear recognition of the seriousness and sociopolitical stability of the country, as well as the high standards of our mining industry,” Minister Williams concluded.

These meetings are an important step in strengthening ties with Japan, a partner of Chile for more than 125 years. The country could become a key actor when it comes to incorporating advanced technologies in Chilean mining.