Unleashing critical minerals in the Americas for a sustainable future
Nov 03, 2025At the British Argentine Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to have hosted, in collaboration with the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce, the very first Americas-focused event during LME Week at The Geological Society in London.
The evening featured keynotes by Luis E. Lucero, Secretary for Mining of Argentina, The Hon. Timothy Hodgson, Minister of Energy & Natural Resources of Canada, and H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of Peru to the UK; as well as words by Patricio Hidalgo, CEO at Anglo American Chile, Silvestre Schindler, Managing Director at Integra Capital, Carlos Chana, Managing Partner at ERM, María Eulalia Silva Ricaurte, Chair at Camara Minera de Ecuador, Anna Gilmour, Senior Director at Verisk Maplecroft, Alex Mollinger, Partner at Southern Cross Minerals, Jeff Hanman, Chief Strategy Officer at Teck Resources, and Gaston Massari Copes, Principal at The RXN Group.
They all discussed the role of critical minerals in the Americas for a sustainable future with an audience of 100+ select guests. Below is a snippet of their valuable insights.
Luis Lucero, Secretary for Mining of Argentina
Argentina’s favourable tendency toward mining is being driven, among other global factors, by the government’s efforts to promote investment. This includes a progressive normalisation of macroeconomic indicators and trends, such as inflation reduction and improved access to foreign exchange markets, alongside the implementation of the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) and a broad deregulation push across multiple sectors, including mining procedures and regulations.
H.E. Ignacio Hidalgo Hares, Ambassador of Peru to the United Kingdom
As global demand for copper rises, the focus should not be on competition but on cooperation. By working together across governments, the private sector, and civil society, we can unlock shared benefits and ensure the mining industry grows in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Patricio Hidalgo, CEO Anglo American Chile
Anglo American’s commitment to the Americas is deep and enduring. As the world accelerates toward decarbonisation, electrification, and drives further in innovation, the demand for critical minerals is rising sharply. The Americas are uniquely positioned to meet these needs responsibly. The Americas region is endowed with the critical minerals we need. The geological potential, combined with a commitment to responsible development, positions the region from Canada to Argentina as leaders in the global critical minerals value chain.
Silvestre Schindler, Managing Partner at Integra Capital
Argentina today has a clear vision for mining, the same vision that Chile and Peru had years ago, which allowed them to become global leaders in the mining industry. If we continue along this path, we are heading in the right direction, towards becoming a key global player in the mining sector. This vision is not only about harnessing resources but also about building a long-term, sustainable strategy that positions Argentina as a country capable of combining innovation, investment, and responsible development to fully realise its vast mineral potential.
Carlos Chana, Managing Partner at ERM
Critical minerals supply is short of what's required. The world needs metals – fast. But with new mines taking an average of 18 years to launch, the pace just won't cut it. This is a 40% increase from 15 years ago! The top 3 contributing factors for delays are permitting, commercial and social, with technical equal third.
ERM´s latest global research, including our new report MISSION CRITICAL: RESILIENT MINES FOR A MODERN SOCIETY, brings light for discussing how we can build more investable, resilient projects that meet the demands of a modern society. If you would like to receive an executive summary of ERM´s MISSION CRITICAL paper, please go to:
Maria Eulalia Silva, Chair at Camara Minera de Ecuador
Ecuador remains one of the least explored countries in the world, with less than 1% of its national territory effectively explored. Despite this, world-class mineral deposits have already been discovered. The nation’s dollarized economy offers notable financial stability, while its strategic location within the continent provides privileged access to global markets. Ecuador’s ports connect efficiently with both the Americas and the Pacific region, reinforcing its potential as a hub for international trade and investment in the mining sector.
Anna Gilmour, Senior Director at Verisk Maplecroft
In an environment of heightened trade and geopolitical volatility, countries such as Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador and Peru that benefit from relative stability will be able to use this resilience to bolster investment attractiveness. As the global race to secure access to critical minerals continues, governments that commit to building trust with key investors will gain a competitive edge over more volatile producing countries.
Alexander Mollinger, Director at Southern Cross Minerals
A truly outstanding event connecting senior governments members, investors, and industry leaders around one shared goal — unlocking the Americas’ critical mineral potential for a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain.
Jeff Hanman, Chief Strategy Officer at Teck Resources
Teck was pleased to participate in Unleashing Minerals Across the Americas co-hosted by the Canadian-UK Chamber of Commerce alongside the British Argentine Chamber of Commerce highlighting the breadth of opportunity in critical minerals development across North and South America. Strong alliances both between countries, and with private industry, will help to ensure that we responsibly source the minerals we need for our growing energy needs, decarbonisation and digitalisation of our modern world.
This sold-out event had the support of the embassies of Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru to the United Kingdom, the British Embassy in Buenos Aires, the National Bank of Canada, and ten of the leading companies in critical minerals in the region: Anglo American, Balanz Capital, ERM, Integra Capital, PRC, The RXN Group, Southern Cross Minerals, Teck Resources, Verisk Maplecroft, and Volcan Compañia Minera.