The purpose of our research is the identification of answers to the following questions: How to overcome the key challenges facing the Chilean mining industry? Do others share the interpretation of such challenges? What can be done to achieve performance standards allowing the Chilean mining to lead the international mining industry? In just over 25 years, Chilean copper mining has increased its productive capacity fourfold. The overall industry has materialized an unprecedented level of foreign investment, thus becoming a crucial factor towards improving the country's quality of life. However, in recent years the industry has been subject to enormous pressures. When comparing its sales revenues in 2014 with those projected for 2016, we notice a difference of US$ 10 billion, caused by a price fluctuation effect. Specialist observers estimate the productivity loss during the past 10 years in the range of 18-24 %. The companies' stock market value has fallen by 17 % in 5 years. Its production costs are tantamount to a brake applied on foreign investment, with a slowdown of 86 % in the 2013-2015 period. Finally, its record of fatal accidents record has worsened; with 11 workers killed in 2016 in contrast with zero fatalities a year earlier. Certainly, these results caused a great deal of concern amid the industry and have compelled a review of its strategies and cost structures. However, protests from the workforce caused by staff cuts and a growing dissatisfaction amid suppliers due to adverse adjustments introduced on contract prices, and the extension of payment terms at their expense is not helping the case. Despite progress made, results suggest what has been done is not enough. These indicators do reflect the loss of effectiveness on how mining is currently undertaken.
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