🔒 Critical Minerals in South America 2026

Critical Minerals in South America: Which Countries Will Attract New Copper and Lithium Investment by 2035?

Introduction

Copper and lithium have become two of the most strategic minerals for the global economy. Electrification, power grids, electric vehicles, energy storage, data centers, artificial intelligence, and the expansion of renewable energy are increasing the importance of these resources within global supply chains.

For South America, this transformation represents an exceptional opportunity. The region has a combination that is difficult to replicate: significant mineral resources, existing production, projects under development, and extensive mining experience. However, having minerals underground does not automatically guarantee investment, project development, or greater value creation.

DATAPAIS’ new report analyzes six South American countries and compares their ability to transform the geological potential of copper and lithium into executable investment, production, exports, and business opportunities during the 2026–2035 period. The analysis considers not only reserves and resources, but also project pipelines, infrastructure, execution capacity, operating conditions, value-chain development, and risk.

Key Findings

One of the report’s main findings is that South America does not face a lack of mineral resources. The real challenge is the capacity to convert those resources into competitive and financially viable projects.

The charts, comparative tables, and scenarios included in the report show a region with very different country profiles. Some countries already have consolidated mining industries, specialized infrastructure, and large supplier ecosystems, while others possess major mineral resources but still face difficulties in converting them into commercial production.

In copper, competitive advantage is closely associated with production scale, proven reserves, and mature operating platforms. In lithium, the outlook is more dynamic: some countries are rapidly expanding production, while others hold very large resources whose development still depends on regulatory, technological, and financial decisions.

Another important finding is that future economic growth will not come exclusively from extraction. The report identifies a significant gap between the volume of minerals South America produces and the level of processing carried out within the region. This means that a considerable share of potential value creation continues to take place outside producing countries.

The business opportunities section also shows that many of the most immediate opportunities do not require becoming a mining operator. Engineering, maintenance, energy, water management, automation, logistics, traceability, environmental services, and technical training may all benefit from a new cycle of mining investment across the region.

Why Is This Indicator Important?

Identifying which countries are best positioned to attract mining investment helps anticipate where capital, suppliers, infrastructure, and employment could shift over the next decade.

For supplier companies, identifying markets with strong project pipelines can help determine where to develop commercial relationships, establish local representation, or seek strategic partners.

For investors and consultants, the analysis helps distinguish between three concepts that are often confused: geological resources, announced projects, and investment that is realistically executable.

For governments, the comparison highlights the factors that strengthen or weaken mining competitiveness, including permitting, infrastructure, electricity supply, water availability, regulatory stability, community relations, and processing capacity.

For universities and research centers, critical minerals are becoming an increasingly important field of analysis linked to the energy transition, geopolitics, international trade, and productive transformation.

Questions Answered by the Full Report

• Which countries currently offer the best conditions to attract new copper and lithium investment?
• Which markets combine mineral resources, project pipelines, and infrastructure with stronger execution capacity?
• Where are the main opportunities for suppliers and mining-related companies?
• Which regulatory, social, technological, and environmental risks could delay major projects?
• What potential does Ecuador have to become an emerging regional copper production platform?

What Does the Premium Report Include?

The full report, Critical Minerals in South America: Which Countries Will Attract New Copper and Lithium Investment? – 2026–2035 Analysis, includes a comparative assessment of six countries, copper and lithium analysis, a proprietary ranking methodology, the DATAPAIS Attractiveness Ranking, investment capture scenarios, country-by-country analysis, business opportunities, risk assessment, specific implications for Ecuador, and recommendations for investors, suppliers, and governments.

The study is based on information from international organizations and official national sources, including the International Energy Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, mining authorities in Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, as well as the Central Bank of Ecuador.

Access the Full Report

The next decade could significantly reshape South America’s mining investment landscape. The key question is no longer simply which country has the most copper or lithium, but which country will be able to transform those resources into financeable projects, infrastructure, exports, and new business opportunities.

You can purchase this DATAPAIS Premium Report individually and access the full analysis, comparisons, ranking, scenarios, and strategic conclusions.

For companies, consulting firms, institutions, and management teams that require ongoing intelligence on economics, competitiveness, markets, and business conditions in South America, the DATAPAIS Corporate Membership provides access to the complete library of premium reports and enables these analyses to be used as decision-support tools.