Kim Prior, CEO of ALABC (Australia–Latin America Business Council), highlights the synergies and opportunities between Australian and Latin American companies, with a special emphasis on the mining sector.
By Panorama Minero
What are your reflections on this 2025 edition of IMARC for the mining sectors of South America and Australia?
The IMARC conference is consolidating itself as the largest mining conference in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is extremely important for Latin America to have representation at this event.
Year after year, the numbers have continued to grow, and from ALABC’s perspective, it is essential to send the right message—a welcoming message, but also one that highlights the many synergies and opportunities between Australian companies and those from Latin America.
ALABC sees a strong relationship with Argentina, and we aim to continue strengthening those ties even further. We hope that in 2026 we will be able to bring a delegation to Argentina.
Do you believe there could be an improvement in trade exchanges, particularly in mining, between the countries that are part of ALABC and Australia?
This is a question I have been asked on several occasions. Having worked professionally in the engineering and mining sectors throughout my entire career, I can say that Australian companies—and Australians in general—have a very outward-looking perspective. We are an island nation with a relatively small population, but with abundant resources and talent.
We see the world as our market, so there is no barrier to exporting anywhere on the planet. However, Latin America has historically had very strong connections, particularly in the mining sector.
What is the specific connection between Argentina and Australia?
Naturally, there is a history of diaspora. There is a significant number of Argentines living here.
Likewise, several Australian companies, both large and small, have been pioneers in Argentina and have been present there for many years. Obviously, BHP, Rio Tinto, South32, and some service providers such as Worley have been working in Argentina for a long time. I believe that the relative stability of the economy at present has certainly been a reason why companies are paying closer attention to Argentina. And, certainly, the RIGI has been an important factor.
Do you see major opportunities for METS (Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services) companies in Argentina?
Yes. I think that is a really interesting point. Wherever there are mines, there is naturally a need for a wide range of goods and services, including equipment. There are many very good METS companies in Argentina, but I think the issue is capacity.
There are not enough companies, and therefore I believe there are many opportunities for collaboration and partnership between Australian METS —small and medium-sized enterprises— that could operate in Argentina and, undoubtedly, develop new alliances or manufacturing agreements, etc., to help grow the sector.
Some Australian universities are increasing their presence in South America. Is the education sector a key strategy for Australian mining solutions in the region?
There are several universities currently developing research projects in Latin America. The bilateral education sphere is undoubtedly important for Australia, but in terms of research opportunities, there is clear growth, and many universities have already identified this as a key reason to visit the region. And it’s not only about mining; it also involves other sectors such as infrastructure and green energy.
All of these are sectors with enormous growth potential.
Can Australia’s experience in mining infrastructure be shared with Argentina?
I believe there are many lessons we can share. Both Australia and Argentina have relatively small populations. We are both natural resources’ rich countries.
We also face significant environmental challenges in terms of climate. And Argentina faces some of the same challenges we do, such as water scarcity, which will become increasingly critical.
I am aware that several Australian infrastructure companies and financial institutions are currently working on projects throughout the region, so I believe their experience and expertise are perfectly transferable to Argentina.
