Chile’s Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism, Nicolás Grau, has revealed the names of five new directors set to join the board of the state-owned mining company Empresa Nacional Minera (ENAMI), according to verified reports from Chilean financial media. The announcement came during a session with senators where Grau addressed ENAMI’s financial situation, stating that the company must allocate approximately US$10 million annually solely for debt service.
The minister, who previously served as an advisor to the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) and later held a managerial position at Aclara Resources, disclosed the appointments as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ENAMI’s governance amid its operational and financial challenges. ENAMI, a key player in Chile’s small-scale mining sector, supports artisanal and small miners through mineral purchasing, processing, and commercialization services.
According to the official ENAMI website, the company recently designated Juan Carlos Sáez as its new executive vice president, a move confirmed in early 2026 as part of leadership restructuring. This appointment aligns with broader government initiatives to modernize state-owned enterprises in the natural resources sector.
Further verification shows that ENAMI EP, the Ecuadorian state mining entity with a similar name, is unrelated to Chile’s ENAMI and operates under different jurisdictional frameworks. The Chilean ENAMI continues to focus on supporting domestic small mining producers through training programs and market access, including the initiation of its 2026 cycle of free training courses for artisanal miners and workers.
During the senatorial briefing, Minister Grau emphasized that ENAMI’s current debt obligations require significant annual payments, limiting the company’s financial flexibility for operational investments or expansion. The US$10 million annual debt service figure was cited as a critical constraint affecting the company’s ability to reinvest in infrastructure or technological upgrades.
The five new directors, whose professional backgrounds span finance, mining engineering, and public policy, are expected to bring enhanced oversight to ENAMI’s strategic planning and financial management. Their appointments follow a pattern of recent governance reforms in Chilean state-owned enterprises aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency.
ENAMI’s role in Chile’s mining ecosystem remains vital, particularly for small-scale operators who lack direct access to international markets or refining facilities. By purchasing minerals from artisanal miners and processing them for sale, ENAMI provides a crucial value chain link that supports livelihoods in mining-dependent regions across the country.
As part of its 2026 initiatives, ENAMI has launched a series of free capacitation courses targeting small mining producers and workers, covering topics such as safety standards, environmental compliance, and efficient mineral processing techniques. These programs are designed to improve productivity and sustainability within the artisanal mining sector.
The minister’s disclosure of the new board members comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of state involvement in Chile’s mining industry, including debates over resource nationalism, value-added processing domestically, and the balance between state support and private sector participation.
Although the specific names of the five incoming directors were reported by Chilean financial outlets, World Today Journal could not independently verify their full biographical details through official ENAMI announcements or Chilean government registries at the time of publication. Their identities are presented as reported by credible local financial sources, pending formal confirmation from ENAMI or the Ministry of Economy.
ENAMI’s financial restructuring remains a priority for the Chilean government, particularly given the company’s debt burden and its strategic importance to small miners. Future developments to watch include the implementation of the new board’s strategic plan, potential adjustments to ENAMI’s operational model, and any forthcoming updates on debt management or government capitalization plans.
For the most accurate and official information regarding ENAMI’s leadership, financial reports, or program updates, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the company’s official website or direct communications from Chile’s Ministry of Economy, Development, and Tourism.
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