Overview
- Representatives of both governments approved Protocolos Adicionales Específicos for Vicuña, NexoAndino and Filo Sur during a binational commission session in Santiago on Friday, formalizing how the projects will be run across the Andes.
- The protocols allow the three deposits to be managed as unified operations by coordinating customs, migration, tax and logistics while keeping each country’s laws and border controls in place.
- The coordinated portfolio is valued at roughly US$20.7–22 billion and links to Argentina’s RIGI investment commitments that aim to fast‑track construction, permitting and financing over coming years.
- One practical outcome under discussion is a transit regime that could let Argentine ore move through Chilean Pacific ports while remaining Argentine exports, but final customs and logistics rules must still be agreed.
- Next steps focus on technical and administrative implementation of customs, migration, fiscal and permit procedures, and the agreements are expected to shape local jobs, supplier contracts and regional infrastructure planning.