Global Victoria continues to support Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies
International Mining and Resources Conference
Our team from Melbourne HQ and the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Santiago attended the 10th edition of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) which took place on 31 October-2 November 2023.
Over 30 Victorian companies were supported at the conference, as well as various delegations from Latin America interested in trade, investment, and collaboration between Australia and LATAM.
Victoria is the corporate and financial capital of Australian mining and a hub of innovation and technology. Victorian METS companies are 
at the forefront of solutions to increase productivity, reduce emissions, mitigate impacts and increase safety and sustainability in mining operations.
We thank the delegations of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador for their participation and interest in collaborating with the Victoria mining innovation ecosystem.
Victoria-Peru Bilateral Engagement
Sea of Stories celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Peru. The two countries also share a free trade agreement (PAFTA) enacted in 2020, and in 2024 the APEC Summit will be held in Peru.
Ties between both countries are stronger than ever and Victoria is proud to be an important part of this link, with significant investments, and a constantly growing flow of businesses and students.
Peru's mining sector has great potential to support global decarbonisation efforts by providing the critical minerals needed for the energy transition. Collaboration between Australian and Peruvian mining stakeholders is strong and Victorian METS companies are providing innovative solutions to support this transition cleanly and efficiently.
PERUMIN
From 25-28 September 2023, our team from the Santiago VGTI attended PERUMIN 2023 in Arequipa - the largest mining expo in Latin America.
Global Victoria’s Director of Trade and Investment for Latin America, Pablo Schatz, and Trade Manager for the region Macarena Fuentes supported 10 Victorian METS companies, providing opportunities to engage with key decision-makers from the Peruvian mining industry, learn about the latest market trends and showcase their innovative METS solutions to an international audience.
Resources and Energy Delegation from Peru
Global Victoria hosted a high-level resources and energy delegation from Peru in Melbourne in October 2023, led by the Peruvian Minister for Energy and Mines, Oscar Vera Gargurevich. The Peruvian mission, organised by the Australia Peru Chamber of Commerce, had the opportunity to visit the Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC) operated by Holmesglen Institute, a world-renowned technical training institute.
The VTC is a Victoria State Government initiative to train the workforce operating underground mining and civil infrastructure in Australia. As a result of this engagement, Holmesglen executed an MoU with the Peruvian Mining and Energy Oversight Body (OSiNERGIM) to foster opportunities for collaboration.
The delegation also had the opportunity to learn about the work of different Victorian Government agencies about mining, climate and energy, trade, investment, and education.
New Manufacturing and HQ facilities for Duratray
In late October 2023, our team from the Santiago VGTI had the privilege to attend the inauguration of Duratray International’s new global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pakenham, Victoria.
Duratray is a Chilean-owned international designer and manufacturer of equipment for large-haul mining trucks. The new state-of-the-art facility will enable the company to continue expanding its international footprint across more than 35 countries on five continents.
The inauguration coincided with Duratray International being recognised for its outstanding export success at the 2023 Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) in the Resources & Energy category.
Colombia - Opportunities for Victorian Beauty, Wellness and Personal Care Exporters
With a growing middle class and an interest in new sustainable consumer goods, some LATAM markets present opportunities for Victorian beauty, wellness and personal care (BWPC) exporters.
Global Victoria's workshop held in October and delivered in partnership with leading LATAM research firm Americas Market Intelligence, focused on the Colombian BWPC sector. The session shared the findings of a report with information on market trends, key channels and stakeholders to accelerate entry into one of LATAM’s most exciting markets for consumer goods. This activity followed similar activities in Chile and Mexico in 2022, which generated significant interest from Victorian exporters.
The reports aim to equip Victorian BWPC manufacturers with both strategic insights and practical knowledge of the BWPC market in Chile, Mexico and Colombia.
Australia-Latin America Business Council Annual Canberra Networking Day, Parliament House 2023
In November 2023, the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) hosted its annual Networking Day at Parliament House in Canberra.
The event was attended by Latin American ambassadors and heads of post, Australian government representatives, and ALABC directors and members, offering a great opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas and promote collaboration between Australia and LATAM. The activity included a presentation by Global Victoria’s Deputy Director for Global Engagement, Ema Lawrence about Victoria’s strong and growing commitment and engagement with Latin America.
Looking ahead
PDAC, Canada
In March 2024, our team members from the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Latin America will attend the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto to assist Victorian METS seeking to engage with LATAM stakeholders at the event.
EXPONOR, Chile
Global Victoria, in partnership with Austrade, is planning a Trade Mission to EXPONOR 2024 in Antofagasta, northern Chile from 3-6 June 2024. The LATAM VGTI office will support a selected group of Victorian Mining and METS companies, including access to the Australian pavilion, networking opportunities
and a business program.