Copper is the backbone of Chile's economy, with the country home to around 19% of the world's known copper reserves. That scale and significance is exactly why Procemin GeoMet has become one of the most important events on the calendar for NextOre, the mining technology business of MagnaTerra Technologies and this year's conference in Santiago was no exception.
A Strong Chilean Showing
NextOre fielded a strong presence at Procemin GeoMet 2026, with then-CEO Chris Beal joined by the company’s Chile-based team, Jesus Caro Romero and Bernardo Ossandón. The conference also marked a milestone for Marketing Manager Pía Pacheco, whose visit represented her first direct engagement with the core of NextOre’s business on the ground in Chile.
The team credited Marcelo Rodríguez and the Procemin GeoMet organising committee for delivering an informative and impactful event, one that generated substantial engagement across miners, service providers and fellow technology developers over the course of the conference.
Technology Built for Chile’s Challenges
NextOre’s bulk ore sorting and sensing technology, developed in partnership with CSIRO, was front and centre in conversations throughout the event. The magnetic resonance-based sensing approach is purpose-built to address the operational and grade-control challenges facing Chile’s copper industry, and the team welcomed the opportunity to discuss those issues directly with the people responsible for delivering results on site.
Engaging Australia’s Diplomatic and Trade Network
Alongside the conference program, the NextOre team visited the Australian Embassy in Santiago for discussions with Deputy Head of Mission Chung-Linh Chau, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner Alvin D’Almaida, and Austrade Business Development Director Valeria Ortiz.
The conversations carry forward into NextOre’s next major Chilean engagement: Austrade will serve as Guest Country at FOREDE 2026 in Copiapó, an event focused on investment, sustainable mining practices and regional development. NextOre is looking forward to supporting Australian Ambassador Andrew Martin at FOREDE, an event well aligned with the company’s own focus areas.
Partnerships on Display
The conference also provided an opportunity to reconnect with valued partners. NextOre shared a stand with André Kluge and André Cruz of Gebr. Pfeiffer Mining, longstanding collaborators with a natural affinity to NextOre’s mission. The team also caught up with Marcelo Serrano Jáuregui of Chrysos Corporation, a sister company within the MagnaTerra Technologies group.
Looking Ahead
Procemin GeoMet 2026 capped off a hectic but essential stretch for the NextOre team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting Chile’s copper sector with proven, in-country expertise. With FOREDE 2026 on the horizon and continued momentum across NextOre’s Latin American engagement, the company remains focused on deepening its partnerships across the region.
MagnaTerra Technologies extends its thanks to the whole team for their efforts in Santiago — with particular thanks to Chris Beal, whose contribution to NextOre throughout his tenure as CEO has gone above and beyond.