Codelco and India’s Adani Group Move Forward With New Copper Exploration Agreement
Santiago — Chilean mining company Codelco has entered a new phase of international collaboration by signing an agreement with India’s Adani Group to explore copper assets in Chile, marking a significant step toward expanding global supply partnerships in the metals sector.
The agreement outlines the review of three copper projects located in key mineral-rich zones, creating a framework for potential joint development should both companies see strategic and commercial alignment in the findings.
Although non-binding, the arrangement establishes a structured process for sharing technical, geological and legal information, enabling both sides to conduct detailed evaluations before committing to any long-term investments.
Codelco stated that the initiative reflects its broader vision of reinforcing global cooperation, especially at a time when the copper industry is navigating rising demand, new technologies and shifting economic conditions worldwide.
For Adani Group, the agreement comes through its subsidiary Kutch Copper, which has been expanding its presence in the metals and mining space to support India’s rapidly increasing requirement for copper-intensive industries.
Executives noted that India’s energy transition, electric mobility push and manufacturing growth have created a strong need to secure stable supplies of essential minerals, particularly copper.
Vinay Prakash, CEO of Adani Natural Resources, said the partnership aims to build a cooperative model between Chile and India that can help ensure long-term copper access for Indian industries while supporting Chile’s mining ecosystem.
The collaboration also allows both sides to evaluate ways to integrate technological innovation into exploration and project development,
especially as global mining shifts toward higher levels of automation, digital monitoring and environmentally responsible operations.
Codelco has been actively expanding its international alliances in recent months, reflecting a broader strategic goal of strengthening its global role amid rising competition in the copper market.
Just a day before the Adani agreement, the Chilean company announced a partnership with Japanese firm NTT DATA to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics across its mining operations.
Industry analysts note that these moves signal Codelco’s commitment to combining operational expertise with global partnerships that can enhance efficiency, sustainability and long-term resource management.
Chile, the world’s leading copper producer, continues to attract large-scale international interest as nations seek reliable sources of minerals that are essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
The agreement with Adani is expected to initiate a series of technical assessments, site visits and geological reviews, which will help determine whether the three identified copper projects hold feasible development potential.
Both companies have stated that any decision to proceed with mining development will depend on environmental evaluations, regulatory requirements and long-term commercial sustainability aligned with local and national standards in Chile.
The partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation in the global mineral supply chain, especially as governments and corporations look to secure future access to metals critical for modern infrastructure and green technologies.
Analysts believe the deal may also open opportunities for further collaboration between Chilean and Indian firms, expanding avenues for knowledge exchange, resource integration and technology-driven mining practices.
The exploration agreement is likely to draw attention across the mining sector, positioning both Codelco and Adani as leading players actively shaping the future of international copper development.
As the evaluations progress, the companies are expected to share updates on technical findings, potential resource volumes and the viability of moving forward with full-scale development in the coming years.
The deal represents a strategic step for both nations as they navigate global demand trends, highlighting how copper remains central to economic transformation, energy transition and industrial growth.
