75 trade unions from different economic sectors called for a state of emergency in part of the regions of Biobío and La Araucanía, amid the series of violent incidents that have occurred in the area in recent months. The associations warn that there is an absence of the rule of law in the southern macro-zone that is preventing thousands of families from being able to work and live in peace.
Industrial Production Index declined 2.4% year-on-year in January
The Industrial Production Index (IPI) fell by 2.4% year-on-year in January 2021, due to the negative impact of the three sectors that comprise it, reported the National Statistics Institute (INE). The Manufacturing Production Index (IPMan) was the most influential in the result, registering a 4.4% drop compared to the same month of the previous year. The Index of Electricity, Gas and Water Production (IPEGA) fell 1.6%, while the Mining Production Index (IPMin) showed a year-on-year decline of 0.4%.
Unemployment reached 10.2% in November-January quarter
The unemployment rate reached 10.2% in the November-January quarter, reported the National Statistics Institute (INE). While the figure represented a slight decline from the 10.3% recorded in the last quarter of 2020, it was 2.8 percentage points higher than that recorded in the November 2019-January 2020 period.
Trade Activity Index rose 4.3% year-on-year in January
In January 2021, the Trade Activity Index (TSI) increased by 4.3% year-on-year. The result is explained by the increase observed in two of the three divisions that make up this index. Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorbikes (division 47) recorded an increase of 10.2%. Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorbikes (division 46) grew by 4.4% in twelve months.
New deal could see a hydrogen economy scaled in Chile and Singapore
Chile and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on green hydrogen that will see both countries collaborate on projects and initiatives to advance the deployment of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. Other opportunities include exchange of information and policies on the management and development of hydrogen-related technology and resources; establishment of supply chains for hydrogen and its derivatives; and strengthening of networks and partnerships on hydrogen.
Lithium Chile closes its $3.5 mn financing
Lithium Chile Inc. has closed its fully subscribed previously announced private placement of units of the Company for gross proceeds of $3.5 million and the 15% option was taken up for gross proceeds to the company of approximately $4.02 million. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of Lithium Chile and one common share purchase warrant.
Chile received 189,150 new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and expects 4 million from Sinovac
Chile received a new shipment of 189,150 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Health Minister Enrique París announced that more than 4 million doses of Sinovac vaccines will arrive in the country by Friday. He added that more than three million people in the country have already been vaccinated.
Indian companies sell military equipment to Chile worth $18.7 mn
The Chilean Navy received an Anchor Handling Towing Supply and Standby Vessel (AHTSSV) ocean support vessel from India's Larsen & Tourbo (L&T) for a value of $11.5 million. India's Kanpur based MKU Limited has also executed a defence contract with Carabineros of Chile for 11,700 Ballistic Helmets with accessories worth $7.2 million. The Indian company is expected to sign a contract extension worth $2.1 million shortly.
Melón to operate its cement plants with 100% renewable energy
Melón and Enel Generación signed a contract to supply 100% clean and renewable energy to its cement operations in the country. The agreement will run until 2043 and contemplates the possibility of extending the reception of energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal or hydro, to more of Melón's operations in the future.
Mining prepares for 37 collective negotiations with unions amid copper boom
Mining is preparing to hold 37 collective negotiations with unions in 2021 amid the international copper boom. International copper prices have so far risen by 18%, reaching $4.2 a pound on the London Stock Exchange, their highest price since August 2011. Collective negotiations will involve a total of 16,112 mine workers, according to data from the Mining Council.
