Australian METS companies build momentum in Latin America

Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies have strengthened commercial connections in Latin America through 2 major mining events: Exponor 2026 in Chile and the World Mining Congress 2026 in Peru.

The events allowed Australian businesses to engage directly with mining companies, potential partners and in-market experts across 2 of Latin America’s most significant mining markets.

Exponor 2026, held in Antofagasta from 8 to 11 June, brought together the international mining community in Chile’s premier copper region. The event showcased advanced and innovative mining technologies, with a strong focus on productivity, safety, sustainability and emissions reduction.

Later in June, Austmine led a delegation of Australian METS companies to Peru on a METS Mission and business program connected to the World Mining Congress (WMC). The mission included high-level meetings in Lima, networking activities, and a curated business program at WMC, providing Australian companies with access to mining leaders and key stakeholders.  

Team Australia’s presence at these events was supported by the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), a $55 million Australian Government program helping Australian businesses diversify and grow their exports. Austrade and Austmine partnered to deliver an expanded program of activities around Exponor and WMC.

The 2 events demonstrated the strength of Australia’s METS sector and the role of coordinated government and industry support in helping exporters diversify into high-growth markets.

Supporting Australian METS exporters in Chile

Through its strategic partnership with Austrade, Austmine led the delivery and coordination of the Australian Pavilion at Exponor 2026, working in collaboration with Global Victoria and Trade and Investment Queensland to showcase Australia’s world-class mining capability.

The pavilion provided a central platform for Australian businesses to promote their products and services, build relationships and gain market insights. It also highlighted Australia’s expertise in areas including automation, mine safety, emissions reduction, water management, decarbonisation, underground mining and circular economy solutions.

Chile is a mature and competitive mining market, accounting for 24% of global copper production and ranking as the world’s second-largest lithium producer. The Antofagasta region alone accounts for 54% of Chile’s copper production and all of the country’s lithium production, making it a significant market for Australian METS exporters. 

For Australian businesses, Exponor offered an opportunity to deepen relationships in a market where mining companies are seeking technologies that can improve productivity while meeting environmental, social and governance expectations.

Arnie Hill, Chief Revenue Officer at Aletek, says the event was valuable for building high-quality relationships in a complex global market.

‘Because there’s quite a lot of uncertainty in the global market, it’s important to have relationships and do business with different commodities,’ he says. ‘If you’re highly exposed to one commodity and that drops, it can have a significant impact on a small to medium business like ours.

‘This event is crucial to explore new markets and ignite new relationships. For us, it’s less about quantity and more about the quality of the interaction. Very few interactions can have a very big return on investment.’ 

Tim Snell, CEO of Pitcrew AI, says support from Austrade and Austmine helped the company better understand the Chilean market and connect with potential partners.

‘It’s been a really helpful experience working with Austrade and Austmine,’ he says. ‘It’s been super beneficial in connecting us with potential partners in the region, customer introductions and general market intelligence about how we approach the market here.

‘Our biggest challenge in Chile has been around localisation and networks, and Austrade has been really good with making those introductions.’

Opening the Australian Pavilion at Exponor 2026.

Expanding opportunities in Peru

Following Exponor, Australian METS companies travelled to Peru for a mission delivered by Austmine in collaboration with Austrade. 

The program included high-level meetings with mining organisations in Lima, an opportunity to pitch to potential customers, a networking event with the Australia Peru Chamber of Commerce & Industry, a welcome dinner and a pre-mission briefing.

At the World Mining Congress, the delegation accessed the Australia Coffee Hub on the exhibition floor, curated customer briefings and networking events; received support with business-to-business connections; and attended the Australia Networking Night cocktail event. 

Peru is one of the world’s most important mining markets. It ranks second globally in copper, silver and zinc production, first in tin and lead, and sixth in gold. Mega copper projects account for 90% of the country’s mineral value produced, with major global companies operating in the market.

Peru’s mining sector is also seeking innovative solutions for process optimisation, water and waste management, energy efficiency and maintenance. With more than US$60 billion in greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline, the market offers significant opportunities for Australian METS companies. 

‘This visit to Peru arranged with Austmine has exceeded our early expectations,’ says Chris Jamieson, VP Global at Jamieson Group. ‘We had the opportunity to meet with and get to understand peers within the Australian mining services industry and touch base with key strategic accounts in a more relaxed context than is typical. It has been a great experience, and we look forward to future engagements with the team.’

Duncan Scott, CEO at PMP Group, says: ‘Very exciting prospect about Peru, with a lot of engagement with the mining companies about their challenges. I was very impressed with Nexa meeting.’ 

Exposibram 2026

Austrade and Austmine are now recruiting for Exposibram in Brazil (24–28 August 2026). Find out how to connect with Brazil’s mining industry in 2026. 

Strengthening partnerships through ANMI

Austmine is a member of the Trade Diversification Network under ANMI, working with Austrade to develop new global markets and accelerate international growth for Australian METS companies. 

At Exponor, Robert Trzebski, Director, International Business at Austmine, says ANMI support helped provide greater exposure for Australian businesses in Chile.

‘The Australian Pavilion gives Australian METS companies the opportunity to exhibit their products and services,’ he says. ‘The ANMI funding made it possible to give the pavilion extra exposure, deliver a strong business program and highlight Australian companies operating in, or looking to operate in, Chile. 

‘Chile is a tremendous opportunity for Australian METS exporters, given the number of companies operating in copper and the growing lithium industry. We’re very proud to work with Austrade on the ANMI scheme, not only in Chile but also in Peru, Brazil and other parts of the world.’ 

Helping exporters diversify and grow 

The programs in Chile and Peru demonstrated how ANMI and the Trade Diversification Network are helping Australian businesses access new markets, build resilience and pursue commercial opportunities in priority sectors.

By combining Austrade’s market knowledge, global networks and on-the-ground support with Austmine’s industry expertise, Australian METS companies could engage directly with decision-makers, test market opportunities and build relationships across Latin America. 

As mining markets in Chile and Peru continue to invest in innovation, sustainability and productivity, Australian METS companies are well positioned to support the region’s future growth.

Through initiatives like ANMI, Austrade is helping more Australian businesses diversify their exports, strengthen international partnerships and compete in high-value global markets.