April 2023 ALABC E-Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE 

  • CEO's Letter
  • Industry News - A combination of news articles specifically curated for news relevant to the Latin American region. 
  • Upcoming Events - Registration links so that you can secure your place at important business events. 
  • New Members - Get in contact with our new member companies to create new business opportunities. 
  • Featured Members - Find out which companies are being featured this month. 
  • Previous Events - Gain access to previous event photos and webinar recordings to share with your friends and colleagues on social media. 
  • Event Sponsorship Opportunities - Provide more exposure to your business by sponsoring an ALABC event through event partnerships and marketing strategies. 

Marcelo Salas

Chief Executive Officer

Dear ALABC members and stakeholders,

I am excited to share with you the latest edition of the Australia-Latin America Business Council Newsletter. In this issue, we feature an important development in Chile's lithium industry that has the potential to impact the global electric vehicle market. The Chilean government has announced plans to partner with private companies to develop new lithium projects in the country.

The new projects will focus on reducing the environmental impact of lithium production by using innovative technologies such as direct lithium extraction (DLE). This technology is designed to extract lithium from salty brines using filters, membranes, or other equipment that can be housed in a small warehouse. Unlike traditional methods such as open-pit mining and evaporation ponds, DLE has a smaller footprint and is more accepted by local communities.

Chile's decision to partner with private companies on new projects is a promising step towards a sustainable and developed economy. It also highlights the potential of emerging technologies in the lithium industry to increase global production while minimizing environmental impact.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and encourage you to share your feedback and ideas for future topics.

Thank you for your continued support of the Australia-Latin America Business Council.

Best regards,


Marcelo Salas
Chief Executive Officer 
Australia-Latin America Business Council
ceo@alabc.com.au

Australia - Chile Business Council Mining Dinner in Santiago, 24 April

At the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) we are thrilled to share with our members, stakeholders and friends the success of the first Australia-Chile Business Council Mining Dinner in Santiago which took place on Monday, 24th April. This event was a joint collaboration between The Australia Latin America Business Council (ALABC) and SOFOFA, and we are delighted to have had our Premium Event Partner, ISG – Pit to Ship Solutions

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Gold Sponsors, BHPGrupo Antofagasta MineralsGlobal VictoriaTrade and Investment QueenslandEnaex, and SQM, for their support in making this event a success. We were honoured to have our keynote speaker, The Honourable Cameron Dick, QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, as well as His Excellency Mr Todd Mercer, Ambassador of Australia, Claudia Sanhueza, Undersecretary of International Economic Relations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chile, Mr Mark Fones, Vice President Area International of Lithium SQM, for providing their insights and expertise, Mr Ramon Jara, President of the Chilean chapter – Chile- Australia Business Council and Ms Valeria Alvano, Director of ALABC who spoke on behalf of the Australian Chapter Chaired by Ian Hansen, CEO of Wescef who also deserves recognition for his continuous support of our organization.

View photos >>

Liam Twigger, Chairman of SolGold, has been selected to Chair the Australia-Ecuador Business Council

This private-sector initiative, established in June 2022 by the Australia Latin America Business Council (ALABC) and the Chamber of Industries and Production of Ecuador (CIP), aims to promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries by facilitating high-level connections and engagement between senior business representatives and company executives from both countries.

As the newly appointed Chair of the council, Liam Twigger emphasized the need to encourage investor and business confidence to establish the foundations for stable growth that will benefit both Australia and Ecuador. With his extensive experience in investment banking, funds management, stockbroking, and mining, Twigger is well-suited to lead the council and strengthen business ties between the two countries. He currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson and Executive Director of Argonaut Limited, a WA-based investment banking, funds management, and stockbroking business that recently merged with PCF Capital Group, which Liam founded in 1999. Twigger is also the Chair of SolGold Plc and ASX-listed Kambalda nickel exploration and mining company Lunnon Metals Limited. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Business, a Bachelor of Economics, and is a Certified Practicing Accountant.

According to Richard Andrews, the Chairman of ALABC, the partnership with CIP is an excellent opportunity for Australian companies to connect with important people in Ecuador's private sector. The Australia-Ecuador Business Council plays a vital role in providing guidance to governments and industries on issues affecting both countries and helps to build stronger relationships between them. This business council complements the work of other industry players such as the Embassy of Ecuador, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AUSTRADE, and ALABC.

The council is the fifth bilateral business advisory group created by ALABC, following Chile, Peru, Central America, and Mexico, and is a new addition to its network of like-minded industry associations in the region.

The President of the Ecuadorian Chapter is Mr. Pablo Zambrano Albuja, Chairman of The Ecuadorian Chamber of Industries and Production (CIP), representing 32 productive sectors that together generate over 150,000 jobs in Ecuador. Zambrano welcomes the council as an opportunity to strengthen business ties between the two countries.

Some of the Australian companies that have a presence in Ecuador include SolGold, Newcrest, Hancock Prospecting, Fortescue Metals Group, BHP, ISG Pit to Ship, and many others.

ALABC Business Internship Program


Attention Latin American students and young professionals! The Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) is thrilled to partner with Duratray International and other members to launch a new Internship Program pilot, offering real job opportunities to work in Australia.
As part of this program, Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) members such as Duratray International, are offering internships that provide real career advancement prospects, workplace diversity and inclusion, and the chance to work for companies in Australia. More opportunities will be created in the weeks to come.
To apply for these exciting internships, please visit our website and review the available opportunities. If you meet all the requirements, kindly fill out the application form.
Our goal is to provide talented individuals from Latin America with a platform to discover and apply for internships with Australian companies. ALABC will evaluate the applications and send the host company a list of suitable candidates within four weeks of this publication.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to contribute to workplace diversity and inclusivity and join us in creating a brighter future for both Australian companies and Latin American students.


Apply Now! >>

Will this be Latin America's green decade?


The 1980s were Latin America’s ‘lost decade’, while 2003 to 2012 is often described as the region’s ‘golden decade’.  Now the rise of ESG investing, coupled with Latin America’s incredible natural endowment means the region could be entering the ‘green decade’.

Read more >>

LATAM Airlines re introduces direct flights from Melbourne to Santiago

Starting September 2023, LATAM Airlines direct services between Melbourne and Santiago, Chile are recommencing with three weekly services operated on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

LATAM's direct services have a flight time of under 13 hours, departing Melbourne and arriving in Santiago the same day, so you will be ready to hit the ground running and explore everything that Santiago and Latin America have to offer! 

From Santiago, passengers can connect to more than 144 destinations in LATAM's network, including 120 destinations in Latin America.

Read more >>

Notice of the ALABC Annual General Meeting 2023

Please be advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Australia-Latin America Business Council will take place on  25 of May 2023 at 5:30 PM at our offices in Sydney and via the Zoom conferencing platform.

We hope to see you virtually or in-person for the ALABC Annual General Meeting for 2023.

Register here >>

Which LATAM countries have become more open to trade?

From Chilean copper to Venezuelan oil, much of the region’s growth in recent decades can be attributed to its goods and resources being in high demand the world over.

But how has that importance evolved over, say, the last 60 years? Trade openness is the percentage of GDP made up by a country’s total two-way trade (both imports and exports). Since 1960, countries like Nicaragua and Uruguay have seen their trade openness soar on the back of growing international trade, while others have seen a slight diminishing. But it’s crucial to understand that a drop in openness is not necessarily a bad thing—both Panama and the Dominican Republic, for example, have diversified their economies in a promising way.

Read more >>

Eight key points in Chile's new National Lithium Strategy


The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric Font, announced the National Lithium Strategy this Thursday on national television, broadcast from La Moneda Palace. The document presents the main points proposed by the government to take advantage of the mineral’s potential for Chile. Our country possesses 45% of global reserves and is the second largest producer in the world after Australia.
Read more >>

Albermarle CEO Kent Masters explains Chile's push to nationalise the country's lithium

Kent Masters, CEO of Albemarle, discusses a new push from the Chilean government to control new contracts for lithium mines. 

Read more >>

Chile's lithium nationalization shines light on emerging tech

Chilean President Gabriel Boric's plan to nationalize his country's immense lithium industry is putting the spotlight on an emerging crop of filtration technologies aimed at revolutionizing how the metal is produced for the electric vehicle industry.

In a national prime time address, Boric said last Thursday a new state-owned company would work to slash the environmental impacts of lithium production by shifting away from evaporation ponds, traditionally used to remove the metal from brine, in favor oof direct lithium extraction (DLE).

Read more >>

A journey to the heart of Chile's lithium communities

In Chile’s Atacama Desert, indigenous communities live alongside lithium mines, a key mineral for the EU’s energy transition. EURACTIV travelled there to find out how industry interests are balanced with the needs of the locals – particularly regarding water management.

At the end of the Río Putana River, 3,000 metres above sea level and wedged between the Barros Arana mountain range to the west and the Andes to the east, lies the village of Río Grande.

Read more >>

ALABC and Clifford Chance - Lunch seminar on investment protection


Hosted by Clifford Chance in Perth

Date: 16 May 2023

Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: 

Clifford Chance, 235 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Register here >>

Boardroom Luncheon with the Ambassador of Peru


Hosted by Mazars Australia in Melbourne

Date: 18 May 2023

Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: 

Mazars Australia, Level 11, 390 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004

Register here >>

ALABC COALAR Latin American Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner 2023


Date: 29 June 2023

Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Location: The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000


Sponsorship opportunities:

Contact ceo@alabc.com.au


Register here >>

ALABC Melbourne Annual Dinner 2023


Date: 3 August 2023

Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Location: Park Hyatt Melbourne, 1 Parliament Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004


Sponsorship opportunities:

Contact ceo@alabc.com.au


Register here >>

University of Queensland Latin American Colloquium


Date: 26 September 2023

Time: 10:00pm - 4:00pm

Location: The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD



Save the date >>

ALABC Brisbane Annual Dinner


Date: 26 September 2023

Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Location: Customs House Brisbane, 399 Queen St, QLD 40000


Sponsorship opportunities:

Contact ceo@alabc.com.au


Register here >>

Vanto Group


Vanto Group is a boutique global management consulting firm that has been a pioneer in the field of organizational transformation for over 25 years.

Our fundamental core competency is generating organisational alignment as the access to breakthrough results.

Our unique approach allows us to partner with clients in a way that rapidly and reliably produces breakthrough results that are sustained by a new breakthrough culture.

We have designed and implemented initiatives with more than 500 clients across twenty countries including mining operations in Patagonia.

Our methodology provides direct access to breakthroughs in every major area of business. It has been successfully applied to areas such as:

Growth and expansion
Mergers and acquisitions
Union-management relationships
Conflict resolution
Technology implementation
Organisational alignment
Operational efficiency
Environmental sustainability
Innovation and many others…

Read more >>

PR Polymers

Founded in 1992, PR Polymers Pty Ltd (PRP) is a privately owned Australian company, specialising in the manufacture and supply of mineral processing products, customised polyurethane parts, drilling consumables and air decking/stemming products (open-cut and underground) for the mining and drilling industries. Our core values are: customer focus, excellence, quality, enthusiasm, safety and the environment.

From our factory in Brisbane, Australia, we manufacture, package and market our full range of products. With the harsh Australian climatic conditions in mind, we manufacture high quality products to standards which are suitable for use worldwide. Our experienced team provide exceptional service.

Working closely with customers to understand their needs and required standards, our products are reliable, economical and fit for purpose. In over two decades, PRP has grown to become an industry leader and in that time has gained an enviable reputation for the quality and performance of its innovative product range.

Read more >>

McLanahan Corporation

McLanahan Corporation is a global provider of process solutions for a variety of industries including mineral processing, aggregate processing, agricultural and many others.

We know that the challenges of today’s tough marketplace, such as safety and sustainability, require our customers to do more than ever before. McLanahan aims to help our customers meet those challenges by helping them be more efficient, more productive and more profitable. Employing personnel in areas such as process engineering, sales and customer service means that we are able to be your partner in material processing from start to finish.

Read more >>

RSM Australia

RSM Australia is a member firm of the RSM Global Network and offers the full suite of accounting, audit, advisory and consulting services. RSM is a major provider of professional services with over 197 Partners and Principals and over 1,600 staff operating from 32 offices throughout Australia. In March 2022, RSM was celebrating its 100th Anniversary of been in business in Australia – demonstrating sustained growth through a high quality of service.
As the world’s sixth largest audit, tax and consulting group, we have connections to world class expertise and adopt standards that are in accordance with Australian and world best practice.

Our greatest value-add is providing our clients with access to the level of expertise and capacity comparable to our Big 4 competitors, but with a customer experience that is unmatched. RSM has won the Client Choice Awards for Best Accounting and Consulting Services Firm over the past four consecutive years.

At international level, As the world’s sixth largest audit, tax and consulting group, we have connections to world class expertise and adopt standards that are in accordance with Australian and world best practice. RSM is a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with offices in over 123 countries. As an integrated network, we share skills, insights and resources, as well as a client-centric approach that is based on a deep understanding of the sectors our clients operate in, and how their organisations are structured.

Read more >>

Australia - Chile Business Council Mining Dinner in Santiago, 24 April

At the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) we are thrilled to share with our members, stakeholders and friends the success of the first Australia-Chile Business Council Mining Dinner in Santiago which took place on Monday, 24th April. This event was a joint collaboration between The Australia Latin America Business Council (ALABC) and SOFOFA, and we are delighted to have had our Premium Event Partner, ISG – Pit to Ship Solutions

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Gold Sponsors, BHPGrupo Antofagasta MineralsGlobal VictoriaTrade and Investment QueenslandEnaex, and SQM, for their support in making this event a success. We were honoured to have our keynote speaker, The Honourable Cameron Dick, QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, as well as His Excellency Mr Todd Mercer, Ambassador of Australia, Claudia Sanhueza, Undersecretary of International Economic Relations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chile, Mr Mark Fones, Vice President Area International of Lithium SQM, for providing their insights and expertise, Mr Ramon Jara, President of the Chilean chapter – Chile- Australia Business Council and Ms Valeria Alvano, Director of ALABC who spoke on behalf of the Australian Chapter Chaired by Ian Hansen, CEO of Wescef who also deserves recognition for his continuous support of our organization.

View photos >>

19 April 2023


Boardroom Luncheon with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru

ALABC was honoured this week to host the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of #Peru, Ambassador Ignacio Higueras Hare for an exclusive luncheon on “Opportunities for Business and Investment in Peru” with members and special guests of ALABC hosted by our Chairman Richard Andrews.

"It is vital to create spaces such as this one here to promote bilateral economic relations, based on the dissemination of business opportunities, building bridges between Australian and Peruvian entrepreneurs and businessmen."
- Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru

Thank you to all our special guests and Patron members in attendance:
His Excellency Vitaliano Gallardo, Ambassador of Peru
Carlos Marin, Consul General of Chile
Eliana Beraun, Consul General of Peru in Australia
Crispin Conroy AM, State Director, NSW State Office, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chris Gibbs Stewart, CEO of Austmine

Patron members: MMG Limited

Investment NSW


View photos >>

23 February 2023


Boardroom Luncheon with Crispin Conroy AM, Director of the NSW Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Office

ALABC's first event of 2023 with Mr Crispin Conroy AM, Director of the NSW Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Office was held at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia on 23 February.

25 exclusive guests and ALABC members had the opportunity to attend and hear from our guest of honour Mr Crispin Conroy AM, Director of the NSW Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Office. We had the pleasure of welcoming 5 Ambassadors and Heads of Mission to our event.

We are grateful to have had the former CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, Mr Mitch Hooke attending. 

Thank you to our Patron members that attended: EucoClean Australia Pty LtdCSIROInvestment NSWSharp Extensive ITLATAM Airlines

View photos >>

Please view the information below and consider joining the Australia-Latin America Business Council using the online form. 

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