As The University of Queensland’s representative in Chile, our Centre played an active role in the scientific and academic activities organised by the Australian Embassy in Chile and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) as part of Exponor 2026. The initiative aimed to further strengthen research and development links between Australia and Chile.
Dr Mary Valdés, Executive Director of SMI Chile, and Dr Yendery Ramírez, Researcher in Responsible Production and Mining Process Optimisation, were invited to present the work of our Centre at an international seminar held at the Universidad Católica del Norte. The event explored opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in the extraction and production of critical minerals.
The following day, Mary Valdés and Yendery Ramírez took part in a further academic forum on mining and the energy transition, hosted by the Universidad de Antofagasta. During the event, Yendery Ramírez presented SMI Chile’s experience in sustainability and innovation applied to regional development.
These events brought together leading researchers and senior authorities from both the Universidad Católica del Norte and the Universidad de Antofagasta, representatives from Australian universities and the Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMCh), academic leaders from the Mining Engineering programme, the PhD in Solar Engineering programme, and the Mineral Processing Engineering programme at the Universidad de Antofagasta. Representatives from the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER), as well as officials from Austrade and the Australian Embassy in Chile, also attended.
As a closing activity of Exponor 2026, the Australian Embassy hosted a reception entitled “Australia Night: Innovation in Mining”. The event was attended by Ambassador Andrew Martin and Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner for Chile and Peru, Alvin D’Almaida, and aimed to strengthen Chilean–Australian cooperation in innovation and the development of the mining sector.
