Chinese firms showcase competitive edge at Latin America mining expo

SANTIAGO - Hundreds of Chinese mining suppliers attended Expomin 2025, the largest mining expo in Latin America, held in the Chilean capital, showcasing their competitive products and services, along with technological advancements in the mining sector.

According to the organizers, the 18th edition of Expomin, held from Tuesday to Saturday under the theme "Reimagining mining in Latin America," brought together more than 1,300 companies from 35 countries.

"China leads not only in mining equipment but also in technology for ore crushing, tailings management, waste recovery and heavy machinery," Expomin Executive Director Francisco Sotomayor told Xinhua.

Sotomayor noted that China's presence at the fair has expanded significantly in recent years, with nearly 200 companies occupying an area of over 2,000 square meters at this year's event.

"This shows how crucial China-Chile cooperation in mining has become. China is actively promoting investment in Chile," he said.

Zhou Weidong, chairman of the Machinery Sub-Council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said Chinese mining equipment now boasts strong environmental credentials and technological upgrades, which give Chinese companies a competitive edge in Latin America.

Several Chinese firms at the expo, such as industrial brake and clutch supplier Rubflex, safety equipment brand Boyuan and hydraulic fittings manufacturer HT Hydraulics, expressed hopes of expanding their presence in Chile's mining sector.

Chile, the world's leading copper producer, is working to become the top global supplier of lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. Mining exports, especially to Asia, remain a cornerstone of the country's economy.