AGP Executive Report

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council’s second informal straw poll for the next secretary-general put Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan on top again, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi close behind, as the field of eight candidates—including Chile’s Michelle Bachelet and Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki—jostles for at least nine votes and must also dodge any veto. Energy vs. Conservation: Leonardo DiCaprio’s intervention helped halt a Chile–Argentina power interconnection plan in the Maule region after concerns for the critically endangered spiny-chest frog, forcing authorities to scramble for alternatives. Fishing Conflict: Chile is weighing whether to loosen the sea lion hunting ban after artisanal fishermen say the animals can ruin up to 90% of catches, while scientists warn there’s no proof of overpopulation and fear ecosystem damage. Security & Tech: Chile is pushing emergency powers as investigators increasingly track organized crime’s digital money trails, including crypto, to hit the financial backbone of gangs. Food & Trade: Chilean avocado output is projected to hit a 17-year high, while Chile’s salmon sector faces pressure as Camanchaca’s Q2 profits fell year over year.

UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council is set for a second informal straw poll on Friday to gauge support for eight candidates to replace António Guterres, with Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki and former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet among those in the mix. Chile Politics: President José Antonio Kast has submitted reforms to the Senate that would let Chile declare a new, more routine “state of emergency,” tightening the government’s anti-immigration and anti-organized-crime push. Chile Economy (Salmon): AquaChile, part of Empresas Agrosuper, reported Q2 profits of $66m and a 15.6% net margin, citing cost reductions and better prices despite new US tariff announcements. Chile Environment/Power: A Chile-Argentina electricity link has stalled after concerns over the endangered Pehuenche frog, with conservationists and advocates warning the project threatens the species’ habitat. Chile in the World: A Chilean supplier is linked to a high-risk E. coli recall in the US—FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries to its most serious Class I category. Culture/Arts: Mubi will stream Chile’s “El Deshielo” (“The Meltdown”), directed by Manuela Martelli, after its San Sebastián screening. Science: Astronomers using Chile’s Very Large Telescope spotted the Milky Way’s fastest star, S301, whipping around Sagittarius A* at about 25,000 km/s.

Salmon Sector Watch: AquaChile’s Q2 profits jumped to about $66M as costs eased and prices improved, even as U.S. tariff news and raw-material volatility loomed. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries from a recall already underway to Class I, after an E. coli O145 outbreak sickened 12 people and sent four to hospital. Energy & Environment: Chile’s Maule environmental authority rejected the Los Cóndores–Río Diamante power link to Argentina, citing biodiversity and tourism concerns tied to the Pehuenche frog—after high-profile pressure from Leonardo DiCaprio. Copper Markets: London Metal Exchange copper stocks surged with the biggest weekly inflow since 2020, easing a tight squeeze but leaving supply worries in the background. Chile in Global Culture: Mubi picked up Manuela Martelli’s Chile-set drama “The Meltdown,” set for streaming after San Sebastián screenings. Mining Deals: Lodestar Minerals secured an option to enter Chile’s Pacifico Cu-Mo-Au porphyry belt, consolidating a 6km prospective corridor.

Mudslides & emergency in northern Chile: President Gabriel Boric declared a constitutional state of catastrophe for Tocopilla after extraordinary desert rains triggered floods, landslides and blocked roads; authorities reported widespread home flooding, evacuees, and even a fatal accident from falling rocks as aid operations shifted to air while routes were cleared. Chile–China diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna met China’s top officials in Beijing, with talks focused on trade, investment, science and technology, and strengthening supply-chain connectivity as the countries mark 10 years of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Food safety alert: The US FDA issued a Class I recall for 182,000+ packs of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix after an E. coli outbreak sent four people to hospital, with the investigation pointing to a Chilean supplier. Mining & copper momentum: Chile-linked copper stories dominated markets as BHP and Rio Tinto reported results with copper rising as a key earnings driver, while Chilean mining firms also featured in broader debates over new projects. Salmon sector push: AquaChile is targeting a jump in Vietnam’s frozen salmon market share toward 40% and Chile’s salmon industry marked progress from a four-year sustainability program that certified 19 firms. Sports with Chilean ties: CF Montréal’s Alexis Sánchez is in the spotlight after signing as a designated player, while Qatar’s new Stars League season kicks off with Al Wakrah coached by Chilean Jose Luis Sierra. Environment & biodiversity: A Chilean environmental panel rejected an Enel power interconnection plan to link Chile and Argentina, citing concerns over biodiversity and tourism, including impacts raised by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Disaster Response in the North: Chile declared a constitutional state of catastrophe for Tocopilla after extraordinary desert rains triggered mudslides, flooding and blocked roads, with nearly 2,000 evacuees reported and emergency aid initially arriving by air. Salmon Sustainability Push: AquaChile is targeting a jump in Vietnam’s frozen salmon market share to about 40% (from ~30%), while Chile’s salmon sector wrapped up a four-year sustainability initiative that certified 19 firms and 80 facilities covering roughly 60% of national production. Local Lawmaking: Chile’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill banning greyhound racing nationwide, moving it closer to becoming law. Chile–China Diplomacy: Foreign ministers met in Beijing as China pledged to deepen practical cooperation with Chile’s new government, highlighting trade, investment, AI and supply-chain connectivity. Sports & Business: Alexis Sánchez signed with CF Montréal as a designated player, and SQM reported a sharp jump in six-month net income to US$1.02B, citing strong lithium and iodine performance.

Disaster Response: Chile’s President José Antonio Kast declared a constitutional state of emergency for Tocopilla after heavy rains triggered mudslides, evacuations and major damage; a red alert was issued, and classes were suspended across parts of Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, Atacama and several Antofagasta communes. Mining & Energy: Chile’s mining giant SQM reported a sharp jump in six-month results, with net income rising to US$1.02bn and record lithium sales volumes; meanwhile, the wider copper debate continues as Minnesota moves to block nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters, with Twin Metals tied to Chilean ownership. Economy & Business: Lokal raised US$700,000 to expand its B2B marketplace across Chile and plans AI tools to help small businesses optimize purchasing. Politics & Security: Kast’s proposed constitutional crackdown would expand emergency powers against organized crime, raising alarms about how far exceptional authority could become normalized. Sports & Culture: Alexis Sánchez signed with CF Montréal as a designated player, aiming to lift the club’s fortunes and mentor younger talent. Labor: ENAP workers report layoffs amid a management “structural review” claim, while unions demand clarity.

Diplomacy: Kuwait’s non-resident ambassador to Chile presented credentials to President José Antonio Castro, signaling fresh momentum for Chile–Kuwait ties. Environment & Mining: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, a major win for Boundary Waters protection and a direct hit to a project tied to Chilean miner Antofagasta. Aquaculture: Sudvet says it helped Chilean salmon farms cut antibiotic use by 49%–75% and antiparasitic treatments by 62% through plant-based, non-pharmacological approaches. Organized Crime & Democracy: Chile’s proposed constitutional crackdown would let President Kast impose emergency controls for months, restrict movement and communications, and formally designate criminal groups. Energy & Industry: Sungrow will supply a 152 MW/606 MWh battery storage system for Verano Energy’s Observatorio project in Chile under a 25-year service deal. Trade & Food: Chile and Morocco signed a sanitary protocol to expand agri-food market access, while Chile’s frozen blueberry exports rose 23.4% in volume. Sports & Culture: Marcelo Allende says his time at Mamelodi Sundowns is focused on “my last year,” and Ballet de Santiago adds an extra Dublin Swan Lake performance.

Energy Transition in Focus: Sungrow was selected by Verano Energy to supply a 152 MW / 606 MWh battery storage system for the Observatorio solar-plus-storage project in Chile, backed by a 25-year service deal—aimed at boosting grid flexibility and renewable dispatch. State Meets Private Capital: Codelco says it is close to signing with local miner Pucobre on the Tovaku copper project, a potential joint venture that would rely on partnerships as the state miner reviews assets and limits new borrowing. Critical Minerals & Finance: Chilean Cobalt says it received a new, non-binding $375 million letter of interest from U.S. EXIM Bank for debt funding tied to its La Cobaltera / El Cofre project in northern Chile. Science for Climate Resilience: Chilean researchers mapped the full genome of Antarctica’s native flowering plant Colobanthus quitensis, a step that could help develop crops able to handle extreme weather. Sports & Culture: Alexis Sánchez arrived in Montreal for his first CF Montréal training session, while Chile’s Coquimbo Unido hosts Platense in a Copa Libertadores tie with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

Aviation & Competition: Peru’s Indecopi approved Abra Group’s conditional purchase of SKY Airline (Chile), saying it won’t significantly restrict key routes, but requiring limits on non-compete clauses. Copper Watch: London copper stayed above $14,000/ton for nine sessions as steep backwardation signals tight near-term supply; Chilean output declines and weather disruptions are part of the squeeze. Mining Governance: Codelco announced a management reshuffle at El Teniente and a new split of operations leadership, as delays and safety/reporting scrutiny pressure the state miner’s recovery. Environment & Innovation: Chilean researchers reported an Atacama-derived enzyme that can break down PET plastics, while another Chile-led team mapped the full genome of an Antarctic flowering plant, aiming to help future climate-resilient crops. Chile–China Diplomacy: Chile’s foreign minister Francisco Perez Mackenna will visit China Aug. 18–22, as Beijing touts deepening ties. Tech & Culture: ITVX acquired Chile-produced children’s animation “Doggyworld,” and a Chilean museum used BrightSign tech to turn exhibits interactive. Business: Salmon producer Camanchaca said Q2 profit rose despite lower prices, helped by inventory sales and a US tariff refund.

Codelco Overhaul: Chile’s state copper giant Codelco announced a major management reshuffle under new CEO Jorge Gomez, tightening oversight after delays and safety scrutiny at El Teniente, including a split of operations leadership from Sept. 1. Mining Safety Fallout: A Sernageomin investigation into the 2025 El Teniente rock burst says deaths stemmed from systematic management failures and ignored warnings, not an unforeseeable event. Prison Security Backlash: President José Antonio Kast’s push to fight organized crime included moving 687 high-risk inmates to La Laguna prison, but a viral transfer clip sparked public outrage. Energy & Biodiversity Fight: Leonardo DiCaprio urged Chile to reroute a Chile-Argentina transmission line to protect the critically endangered Pehuenche spiny-chest frog. Lithium Cross-Border Review: China Union Holdings shares fell after Canada signaled a security review of its planned acquisition tied to an Argentine brine miner linked to a Chilean firm. Cabinet Gender Parity: Chile’s cabinet fell to 36.4% women after reshuffles, drawing criticism from lawmakers and feminist groups. Sports—MLS & Chilean Star: Alexis Sánchez officially joined CF Montréal as a designated player, with his debut expected soon, while Chile also hosted the U17 women’s volleyball world championship won by the USA.

Energy & Environment: Leonardo DiCaprio urged Chilean officials to reroute a Chile–Argentina power line to protect the critically endangered Pehuenche spiny-chest frog, warning the project could worsen habitat damage. Public Safety & Justice: President Kast oversaw the transfer of 687 prisoners to the new La Laguna prison, but a viral “Operation Cerberus” clip sparked backlash over how inmates were transported. Mining Accountability: A Sernageomin investigation into the 2025 El Teniente disaster says deaths stemmed from management failures and ignored warnings, not an unforeseeable event. Sports (Chile abroad): Alexis Sánchez officially joined CF Montréal as a designated player, with reports he also considered Toronto FC before choosing Montreal. Diplomacy: Oman’s ambassador presented credentials to Chile’s President Kast, signaling renewed bilateral ties. Indigenous Rights: A Chile-based study on Mapuche land restitution found more traditional pasturage and fewer non-native plantations, but no clear biodiversity or carbon gains. Health Science: A PNAS study reports folic acid may prevent neural tube defects via the vitamin A (retinoic acid) pathway.

Andes Energy vs. Wildlife: Leonardo DiCaprio urged Chile to reroute a Chile-Argentina power line after warnings that it could endanger the critically endangered Pehuenche spiny-chest frog. Public Safety & Prisons: President José Antonio Kast oversaw the transfer of 687 inmates to the new La Laguna prison, but a viral clip of shackled prisoners sparked backlash. Sports & Star Power: Alexis Sánchez officially joined CF Montréal as a designated player, with fans celebrating his arrival and a likely debut timetable shaping the club’s playoff push. Mining Accountability: A Sernageomin investigation into the El Teniente disaster says deaths stemmed from management failures and ignored warnings, not an unforeseeable event. Corruption Probe: Chilean prosecutors are investigating alleged “commissions” at the consulate in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, tied to faster document processing. Indigenous Land Restitution: A Chile-based study finds restitution changed land use, but didn’t clearly improve biodiversity, carbon storage, or erosion control. Diplomacy: Chile and the Philippines moved to deepen economic, maritime, and tourism ties as they mark 80 years of relations.

Environment & Energy: Leonardo DiCaprio urged Chile and Argentina to reroute a proposed Andes power transmission line to protect the critically endangered Pehuenche spiny-chest frog, warning that extra habitat disruption could worsen an already damaged ecosystem. Public Safety & Prisons: President José Antonio Kast oversaw the transfer of 687 high-risk inmates to the new La Laguna prison, but backlash erupted after viral footage of shackled prisoners sparked outrage over how the operation was carried out. Sports & Culture: Chilean superstar Alexis Sánchez officially joined CF Montréal as a designated player, with fans celebrating in Montreal and his MLS debut expected soon as the club pushes for the playoffs. Mining Accountability: A Sernageomin investigation into the El Teniente disaster says deaths followed systematic management failures and ignored warnings, not an unforeseeable event. Indigenous Rights & Land: A Chile-focused study on Mapuche land restitution found traditional land use increased and non-native plantations declined, but biodiversity and other environmental gains were not clearly improved. International Relations: Chile and the Philippines moved to deepen economic and maritime cooperation as they mark 80 years of diplomatic ties, including progress toward a bilateral free trade deal.

Mining Accountability: Sernageomin’s 122-page probe into the El Teniente disaster says six workers died not from an unforeseeable event, but from management failures, ignored warnings, and a chain-of-command decision to keep people working in known unstable areas. Sports & Culture: Chilean star Alexis Sánchez signed Montreal’s Golden Book and is set to arrive for CF Montréal’s MLS push, with a likely debut later this month. Energy Storage: Limes Renewable Energy won ready-to-build approval for its 200MW/1GWh Huañil BESS project in Chile’s Coquimbo region, with more Chile battery projects expected to reach the same stage soon. Indigenous Land Restitution: A Chile-focused study on Mapuche land returns found traditional land use increased and non-native forest plantations declined, but biodiversity, carbon storage, and erosion control gains were not clearly improved. Corruption Probe: Chilean prosecutors are investigating alleged “commissions” at the consulate in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where applicants reportedly paid far above official fees to speed up paperwork. Regional Ties: Chile and the Philippines marked 80 years of relations with renewed momentum on a CEPA trade deal and deeper maritime and tourism cooperation. Seismic Watch: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Sea; Chile’s navy and Colombia’s maritime authority said there’s no tsunami risk for the South American Pacific coast.

Film Industry: Locarno Film Festival drew record industry attendance, with Olivia Wilde spotlighting how arthouse players are hunting new financing as traditional contracting tightens. Salmon & Courts: Chile’s Constitutional Court struck down micro-relocation rules that salmon operators said were key for investment and farm improvements. Energy Storage: Limes Renewable Energy reached ready-to-build for its 200MW/1GWh Huañil BESS in Chile’s Coquimbo region, signaling more battery projects moving forward. Sports & Culture: Alexis Sánchez is set to join CF Montréal’s playoff push, while a study in Nature Mental Health warns mental health research is too concentrated on wealthy, industrialized populations. Corruption Probe: Chilean prosecutors are investigating alleged bribery at a consulate in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, tied to inflated fees for document legalization. Mining & Copper: Chile’s mining debate heats up as BHP’s Escondida chief urges legal and tax certainty to unlock investment, and Chile eyes a revived Argentina mining treaty for major copper gains. Security: Chile transferred nearly 300 high-risk inmates to a new prison as President Kast ramps up organized-crime crackdowns. Environment: Research links Chile’s Loma Los Colorados landfill to Andean condor feeding patterns, but also documents poisonings. Diplomacy: Chile and the Philippines marked 80 years of ties with renewed trade, maritime, and tourism cooperation.

Philippines–Chile Diplomacy: Manila and Santiago met to deepen ties on trade, investment, maritime cooperation and tourism, with both sides pushing forward the Philippines–Chile CEPA after July talks. Copper & Mining Policy: Chile’s mining minister says reviving an Argentina integration treaty could unlock $20.7bn and add 540,000 tons of copper a year, while BHP’s Escondida chief urges predictable legal, regulatory and tax rules to keep investment flowing. Security & Prisons: President José Antonio Kast transferred nearly 300 high-risk inmates to a new prison as part of a broader push to curb organized crime, echoing the “mega-prison” model. Environment & Wildlife: A study links Chile’s Loma Los Colorados landfill to Andean condor feeding patterns, while also documenting poisonings that killed some birds. Energy Storage: Limes Renewable Energy reached ready-to-build status for a 200MW/1,000MWh Huañil BESS project in Coquimbo. Telecom Relief: Subtel secured discounts for about 200,000 customers in storm-hit Coquimbo.