Latest from Austrade

Latin America offers rich potential for Australian mining innovation

30 Sep 2013

The search for lower costs and greater efficiency by Latin American resources companies could provide opportunities for Australian suppliers of mining equipment, technology and services (METS), according to Austrade.

Daniel Havas, Austrade’s Trade Commissioner in Lima, said Latin America’s outlook for resources remained strong on the back of strong demand from China.

"But Latin American miners are eager to incorporate innovative practices and technology to improve productivity".

Mining companies are focusing on increasing yields as a means of enhancing profitability amid increased competition and a reduction in commodity prices, highlighting the emphasis on productivity gains, he said.

"Australian METS firms are world class, and they are already delivering a strong return on investment for mining companies in the region. It’s a very good fit," he said.

METS companies have been a key component of Australia’s high resources productivity levels, and many firms in the sector have taken part in Austrade-hosted pavilions across a series of trade conferences in Latin America in 2013, providing a platform on which to showcase their capabilities and an opportunity to learn more about Latin American markets.

EXPOMIN is the first in the annual series of Latin America’s trade conferences. The conference is held in Chile, which has more than US$100 billion worth of new mining projects coming up over the next 10 years.

In addition, Australia enjoys a Free Trade Agreement and a Double-Taxation Agreement with Chile.

"Chile is Australia’s most sophisticated commercial partner in Latin America and continues to be an ideal platform from which to expand into markets such as Brazil, Peru and Mexico," said Daniel Sullivan, Austrade’s Trade Commissioner in Santiago.

"More than 90 Australian firms have an office in Chile, with the majority of them in the mining industry," he added.

Every year at EXPOMIN, major players in Chile’s mining industry visit the Australia Unlimited Pavilion, managed by Austrade, to learn about the latest Australian technology and services.

Exhibitors in the Australia Unlimited Pavilion can take part in Austrade’s business program, which includes an exclusive series of briefings with senior executives from major mining companies, including representatives from Antofagasta Minerals, BHP Billiton and Codelco.

Australian companies in mining education, consulting and engineering, mine site productivity, desalination and water reuse are encouraged to apply for EXPOMIN before the deadline on 15 November 2013.