Sectoral Plan for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mining Sector Nearing Entry into Force

The strengthening of prevention and response capacities within the mining sector in the face of climate change will be advanced through the Sectoral Plan for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mining Sector (PSCC). The plan is set to come into force following the toma de razón of Supreme Decree No. 24, dated December 12, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Mining, which establishes the initiative.

The PSCC completed its legal review process on November 27, and its publication in the Official Gazette is now the only remaining step before it enters into force.

The objective of the PSCC is to strengthen the mining sector’s prevention and response mechanisms to climate change by promoting a resilient mining industry. This includes small-, medium-, and large-scale operations in both metallic and non-metallic mining.

To achieve this, the plan will implement adaptation and mitigation strategies aimed at reducing emissions and adopting technologies that facilitate a sustainable energy transition.

In the mining sector, companies are responsible for executing the measures required to fulfill Chile’s international climate commitments. In turn, the authorities are tasked with establishing the conditions that enable companies to meet these international agreements through the measures included in the PSCC.

For example, to support the decarbonization of mining operations, the plan suggests that companies incorporate low-emission CAEX trucks. To facilitate implementation, the Ministry of Mining could update the Mining Safety Regulations to allow the piloting of technologies such as green hydrogen, in addition to revising various safety aspects.

The PSCC is a management tool aligned with the goals and objectives set out in the Long-Term Climate Strategy, which is currently under review. In this context, VGC Abogados is advising a client in formulating and submitting comments to the long-term planning process.