Both the Government and mining industry of the South American country of Chile are determined to make the country a world leader and a global “reference point” or example regarding sustainable, or green, mining in particular and clean, or green, technologies in general. These interrelated initiatives, which are all public-private partnerships (PPPs), are being driven by the policy of current Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, who is a centre-right politician and formerly a highly successful businessman. This policy is to develop a mining industry that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. (Piñera was re-elected President last year; he previously served as the country’s President from 2010 to 2014. Chilean Presidents have four-year terms and may not stand for immediate re-election after the end of their term in office.)
