Are you a supplier?

We invite you to register on our platform and characterize your technological solution, so you can participate in the open innovation processes that we carry on for the main mining companies in the country

ESTADO:

OPEN

FECHA DE CIERRE:

April 20, 2026

Closing time :

16:00 (UTC-4)

DecarbMine Challenge

Scope 3 Decarbonization

Decarbonizing its Scope 3 emissions, which originate from critical inputs whose manufacturing and replacement account for a high carbon intensity. In response to this challenge, the sector is moving toward more sustainable inputs and circular economy models to reduce emissions, optimize resource use, and strengthen resilience without compromising safety or performance.

Purpose

To enable an open innovation and collaboration space between mining companies and technology providers to accelerate solutions that support the sector’s decarbonization goals.

This initiative seeks to:

Connect mining challenges with high-impact technological solutions.
Integrate innovations from universities, research centers, and global suppliers.
Accelerate the maturation and adoption of new technologies.
Support sustainability and decarbonization strategies and commitments.
Reduce the carbon footprint of the mining supply chain.

CHALLENGES

We are seeking technological solutions that drive Scope 3 decarbonization in two key value chains: copper and lithium.

Copper sector challenge

Critical Inputs and Strategic Materials

Scope:

Solutions applicable to mine and plant operations, focused on:

Process reagents and raw materials: comminution, flotation, leaching, SX-EW, process control, water and tailings treatment (sulfuric acid, lime, flotation reagents, and other critical chemicals).

High-turnover operational inputs and consumables: grinding media, explosives, diesel, lubricants, mill liners, and refractory materials, with significant Scope 3 emissions impact.

Industrial materials and components: tires, conveyor belts, ferrous scrap, and metallic components with optimization and circularity potential.

Action lines:

Reducing carbon footprint in input production and logistics.
Process optimization to lower specific consumption and losses.
Extending the useful life of inputs and materials.
Reuse, recycling, and closed-loop models.
Substitution with lower-impact alternatives.

Requirements:

Demonstrated or potential Scope 3 decarbonization impact with verifiable metrics (LCA or product carbon footprint).
Compatibility with copper mining operating conditions.
Maintain or improve metallurgical performance and process stability.
Technology maturity suitable for pilot testing and scaling.
Compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Local development focus (desirable).

Lithium sector challenge

Critical Inputs and Circular Materials

Scope:

Solutions for inputs, reagents, and materials used in lithium extraction and refining from brines:

Critical reagents: soda ash (sodium carbonate) for conversion to lithium carbonate.

Other key reagents: lime, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid for purification and chemical adjustment.

High-impact industrial materials: tires, conveyor belts, ferrous scrap, and similar materials with circularity opportunities.

Action lines:

Reducing carbon footprint in the production and supply of reagents and inputs.
Optimizing consumption of critical reagents in purification and conversion stages.
Increasing material efficiency and service life.
Substitution with lower-impact alternatives.
Reuse, advanced recycling, and closed-loop system

Requirements:

Scope 3 decarbonization impact with verifiable indicators (LCA or product carbon footprint).
Compatibility with lithium brine processing conditions.
Maintain or improve process efficiency and product quality.
Technology maturity suitable for pilot testing and scaling, with a path to market.
Compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Local development focus (desirable).

Who can apply?

This call is open to all companies and organizations that can contribute to reducing carbon footprint through these challenges. Collaboration between major mining supply chain actors and new technology solutions developed by entrepreneurs and startups is especially encouraged.

Eligible applicants:

Companies
Startups
Universities
Institutes
Research centers
Consortia formed by the above entities, clearly identifying the lead institution
Other legally constituted organizations under the laws of their country of origin

Not eligible: Individuals (natural persons are explicitly excluded from this call).

Why Apply?

All solutions that meet the application requirements will become part of the portfolio of participating mining companies, providing direct visibility to leading industry players.

Finalists will have the opportunity to present their proposal at a Technology Fair, a Demo Day, and exclusive networking spaces with major mining companies and key industry stakeholders.

Key Dates

Applications open

Organized by:

An organization that coordinates the capabilities of public and private entities and institutions within the mining sector, with the aim of promoting the development of the industry. It drives programs, projects, and initiatives that address key mining challenges through innovation, technology transfer, and collaborative work.

An initiative of Fundación Chile that leads open innovation processes to drive a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. It promotes the integration and management of mining technological knowledge, strengthening collaboration among companies, suppliers, and national and international innovation centers.

Sponsors:

A public entity whose mission is to design, implement, and evaluate public mining policies aimed at strengthening the sector’s contribution to the country’s development. It promotes innovation, productivity, and sustainability, fostering the responsible use of available mineral resources.

A public entity responsible for formulating, planning, coordinating, and implementing environmental policies. Its work focuses on protecting biodiversity and natural resources, promoting sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

An organization that promotes responsible mining, with the aim of contributing to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world through the responsible production of minerals and metals. Its members apply strict principles and collaborate to strengthen the sector’s sustainable development.