Netherlands putting the ‘éx(ito)’ in ‘Exponor’! - Chile EN
Netherlands putting the ‘éx(ito)’ in ‘Exponor’!
Exponor is organized by the Industrial Association of Antofagasta (AIA) on a large exhibition site just north of the city. The Antofagasta region is one of the world’s most important mining hubs. It hosts Escondida — the world’s largest open-pit copper mine, operated by BHP — and hosts the motherload of Chile’s lithium industry in the Salar de Atacama near San Pedro. Because of this concentration of mining activity, Exponor attracts thousands of professionals from across the sector.
NL Pavilion
The Netherlands participated with 14 companies: 11 in a shared “NL Lounge” and 3 with their own stands within the larger NL Pavilion.
The individual exhibitors were:
- Royal Eijkelkamp — showcasing a special drill that uses sound vibrations to extract core samples from loose or difficult soils such as clay or pebbles.
- Mammoet — a global heavy-lifting and transport specialist capable of moving extremely large industrial equipment.
- Optecs — a developer of software and instruments that improve the efficiency of mineral flotation processes.
Among the companies in the shared space were several focused on water-related solutions, including:
- Trisoplast — experts in impermeabilization with mineral liners.
- Elessent Clean Technologies — offering self-cleaning filtration systems for metal refineries.
- Desolenator — providing desalination technology powered by residual heat or solar energy.
Exponor offers companies a platform to present their technologies, learn about the market, and expand their network. The organizers facilitate “speed-dating” meetings with major mining companies and host networking events. The Dutch pavilion was also included as a stop in technical tours organized by AIA on topics such as automation and sustainability.
A notable aspect of this year’s fair was the strong presence of public-sector institutions, universities, and civil-society organizations — a reflection of the existing ties within Chile’s mining ecosystem. At our stand we met representatives from Cochilco, the Natural Resources Governance Institute, the Catholic University of the North, think tank Cesco, industry association SONAMI, and many others.
EU participation
Another highlight was the joint participation of EU member states in an “EU Zone.” Thirteen European countries grouped their pavilions around a central EU stand. This stand hosted its own program, including company pitches, panel discussions on topics such as women in mining and the role of European banks in financing mining projects, as well as presentations on EU–Chile scientific cooperation.
NMO–INLiSa–AMTC
The Dutch Materials Observatory (NMO, part of TNO) presented its collaboration with Chile’s National Institute for Lithium and Salars (INLiSa) and the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) of the University of Chile. Together, these institutions conduct early life-cycle assessments of emerging mining technologies, such as different technologies for Direct Lithium Extraction. By evaluating long-term environmental and industrial impacts — for example, water and energy use, production yields, or the generation of low-value or toxic byproducts — the sector can make better-informed decisions about which technologies to prioritize.
In summary
We look back on a highly successful week — a celebration for the mining sector, for Antofagasta, and for Chilean society more broadly. Un éxito total!
