Cochilco: 80.1% of Chilean copper mining power now accredited renewable

Published: Oct 09, 2026 09:42 (GMT+8)

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Chile's copper commission Cochilco reports that accredited renewable electricity now accounts for 80.1% of total power used by the country's copper mining industry, underscoring how far the sector has moved toward a clean-energy matrix. Cochilco notes that electricity represents roughly 30% of national demand from copper operations and up to 30% of some mines' operating costs. As ore grades decline and desalination expands, power use per tonne of copper keeps climbing, making long-term renewable PPAs central to securing both low-carbon credentials and cost control. The data reinforces Chile's position as a supplier of traceable, low-emission copper as buyers and regulators increasingly price embedded carbon.

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