Chile's Ministry of Environment aims to protect 99 priority sites covering nearly 4 million hectares to meet the goal of conserving 30% of the national territory. However, guilds such as Sonami, CPC, and SalmonChile have criticized the initiative, arguing it creates uncertainty for existing productive activities. Aarón Cavieres, director of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service, defends that it does not affect regularized projects.
On October 29, 2025, a group of Chilean guilds, including the National Mining Society (Sonami), the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC), SalmonChile, and the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC), held a joint press conference to reject the declaration of 99 priority sites under the law creating the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP). These sites, published in the Official Gazette on September 3, 4, and 5, 2025, for the north, center, and south macrozones, cover approximately 4 million hectares and are part of the government's goal to protect at least 30% of the national territory.
The guilds requested an extension of the public consultation period, currently ending on November 5 after a postponement from October 17 to 21. They argue that 10 business days are insufficient for a deep analysis and that the regulation required by Article 29 of Law No. 21.600, which sets criteria for determining priority sites, is needed first. "The regulations safeguard the spirit of the law: that they be clear, shared by all, and respect acquired rights," stated Jorge Riesco, president of Sonami. CPC president Susana Jiménez criticized the initiative for establishing priority sites via exempt decrees in private areas with investments. Arturo Clément of SalmonChile emphasized: "Chile can and must protect its biodiversity without sacrificing strategic sectors for its development or truncating the aspirations of millions of Chileans".
Sonami identified 273 mining installations in these sites, with 52 in the northern macrozone and 221 in the central one, affecting sectors like Chancón, Catemu, and Cabildo. This has led to the creation of a new guild, the National Association of Small and Medium Mining and Mining Concession Owners.
In response, Aarón Cavieres, appointed SBAP director on September 30, 2025, and former executive director of Conaf, stated in his first interview that the priority sites, defined by Law 21.300, do not alter existing environmental resolutions or affect regularized projects. "It seeks to protect an area, but knowing there is productive activity," he affirmed, clarifying it is not a step toward protected areas with more prohibitions. The Ministry, under Maisa Rojas, began meetings with stakeholders on Tuesday, October 28, and is adjusting polygons to exclude urbanized zones. Cavieres noted the regulation is in advanced preparation, with indigenous consultation, and the process follows the legal framework without rushing for governmental legacy.