U.S. and Chile Sign Pact on Critical Minerals

The United States and Chile signed a joint statement on March 12 and 13, 2026, to establish consultations on rare earths and other critical minerals. Signed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna, the agreement was overseen by newly sworn-in Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast in Santiago.

The partnership focuses on coordinating public and private financing for mining projects and managing scrap for recycling to secure supplies of copper, lithium, silver, and cobalt. These minerals are essential for defense systems, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. The pact aligns with the Donald Trump administration's strategy to reduce reliance on China and reassert U.S. dominance in Latin America, following similar agreements with 11 other countries.

Beyond mineral supply chains, Deputy Secretary Landau confirmed that a previously proposed submarine cable project linking Chile and Hong Kong will not proceed under the Kast administration. The two nations also discussed regional cooperation to combat illegal fishing in the Pacific Ocean.