Chilean mining associations speak out against new constitution plans 

Mining bodies in Chile have rounded on the government’s plans to draft a new constitution.

Leading figures Alberto Salas of private mining association Sonami and Joaquín Villarino, head of the mining council representing the largest firms in the sector, have been speaking out at a trade fair in Santiago.

They claim the new constitution will further strain already tense relations between the government and private enterprise. This, they say, would then lead to more uncertainty which could put off investment into the country.

Plans for a new constitution do actually have a legitimate mandate, as this was in the manifesto of President Michelle Bachelet, elected in 2013.

“The political world and its relationship with the business world are covered by a blanket of doubt, sometimes with a good cause, sometimes not so much,” Villarino said.

The idea that change caused by democratic process presents challenges to business is also hot on the agenda in Europe, driven by the uncertainty created by the UK’s upcoming referendum on EU membership.

Chile’s mining minister Aurora Williams backed up the President by stating that the proposed reform will provide fundamental change for the better, and is something the country has been asking for.