Kast Backtracks on Chile Mining Minister, Creates Dual Post

President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, center right, with Daniel Mas, Chile's incoming minister of mining and economy, center left, in Santiago, on Jan. 20. — President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, center right, with Daniel Mas, Chile's incoming minister of mining and economy, center left, in Santiago, on Jan. 20.
Photographer: Cristobal Olivares/Bloomberg

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By James Attwood

January 21, 2026 at 12:41 PM UTC

Updated on

January 21, 2026 at 2:10 PM UTC

Lea en español

President-elect José Antonio Kast surprised copper and lithium companies in Chile by naming a single minister to oversee the mining and economy portfolios, abandoning plans to appoint a former BHP Group executive as a standalone minister.