Latin America plays a crucial role in the global mining industry, serving as a major source for several minerals. The region possesses substantial mineral reserves, with Chile holding the world’s largest reserves of copper and lithium; Peru holding the world largest silver reserves and third largest copper reserves, and Brazil holding the world’s second largest reserves for graphite and iron ore.
Latin America is a dominant force in the production of silver, accounting for 49.9% of global output in 2025. It also holds significant positions in the production of copper (41%), Lithium (30.2%), zinc (23.6%), and Iron ore (17.1%).
Production of copper in Latin America grew by 1.7% in 2025, supported by growing demand particularly in terms of exports. The region is forecasted to account for 40.4% of global copper production in 2026. Chile stands out as the dominant producer, accounting for 58.7% of the region's total output in 2025. Meanwhile Peru contributes significantly with 29%, other key players include Mexico and Brazil, with production shares at 7.7% and 4.7% respectively.
Over the forecast period (2026-2030), the region’s copper industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% to nearly 10.8Mt in 2030, supported by increasing investments and favorable global market conditions. Key players operating in Latin America’s copper sector include Codelco, BHP, Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Glencore.
Report Scope
- The report contains an overview of the Latin America mining industry including key macroeconomic trends, commodity price, and operating environment across major and emerging mining markets. It provides detailed information on production by country, major operating mines, major exploration, and development projects.
Reasons to Buy
- To gain an understanding of the Latin America's mining industry
- To understand historical and forecast trend on silver, copper, lithium, iron ore, gold, zinc and lead production across key Latin American countries
- To identify key players in the Latin America's mining industry
- To identify major active, exploration and development projects in Latin America
Table of Contents
- Executive summary
- Macroeconomic trends
- Commodity price trends
- Major markets
- Chile
- Peru
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Emerging markets
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Others
- Key commodities
- Silver
- Copper
- Lithium
- Iron ore
- Gold
- Zinc
- Lead
- Appendix
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Industrias Penoles SAB de CV
- Jiangxi Copper Co Ltd
- Newmont Corp
- Nexa Resources SA
- Grupo Mexico SAB de CV
- Glencore plc
- Vale SA
- Freeport-McMoRan Inc
- Anglo American plc
- BHP
- Teck Resources Ltd
- SQM

