Overview
- Chile and the United States signed a Joint Declaration to start formal consultations on critical minerals and rare earths.
- The declaration was signed by Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna and U.S. Under Secretary Christopher Landau in the presence of President José Antonio Kast.
- Stated goals include strengthening supply chains, identifying joint projects, managing mineral scrap, and exploring public and private financing mechanisms.
- The text underscores that mutual support in mineral supply is fundamental for national security and industry, with the first technical session scheduled within 15 days.
- Focus areas include lithium, copper, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths, leveraging Chile’s major reserves as Washington pursues broader regional partnerships while Santiago balances ties with China and the United States.