Climate change is intensifying water-related risks for the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) mining sector. Growing water scarcity (also in Chile) can lead to forced production stops, environmental pressures, and social conflicts. Meanwhile, the energy transition and sectors like defense and healthcare depend heavily on CRMs for technological development. Although the Netherlands does not have a mining sector of its own, there is extensive expertise in water management, treatment, and innovation. By sharing this knowledge, we aim to support countries with CRM mining and contribute to a more secure and sustainable supply of these essential materials.

Over the past months, we explored Dutch water expertise to identify potential solutions for the water challenges in the CRM sector. We contacted more than 50 companies and research institutes working on water management, water treatment, process optimization, and related fields. These organizations range from small start-ups with highly specialized technologies to large consultancy and engineering firms. Together, they provided an impressive range of solutions that can be applied throughout the entire copper and lithium value chains.

At the same time, we analyzed the copper and lithium value chains themselves: mapping all process steps, key actors, and the main water-related challenges at each stage. This allowed us to match Dutch expertise directly to the needs of the mining sector.

The outcome of this project is a visualization of a general mining-from-rock value chain, including Dutch water solutions, as well as a reference document listing all companies and research institutes offering these solutions. This visualization can be used at conferences, fairs, and in conversations with mining companies to position the Netherlands as a valuable partner in the CRM sector. Because the standard copper process is also valid for other minerals that are mined from rock and qualify as critical, the visualization has been shared with colleagues across the globe. Together, we aim to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the mining of critical raw materials, while also creating (commercial) opportunities for Dutch companies and research institutes.

Questions about business development in the CRM- and water sectors in Chile, feel free to reach out to the Dutch embassy in Santiago de Chile!