Uruguay

In 2024, Uruguay was not a globally significant producer of mineral commodities. Production of mineral commodities represented only a minor part of the economy of Uruguay. Mineral commodities produced in Uruguay included bentonite, cement, dolomite, natural gemstones, iron ore, and raw steel. The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Uruguay is provided by the Mining Code (law No. 15.242 of January 8, 1982), which was amended on February 28, 2014. The Dirección Nacional de Minería y Geología [National Directorate of Mines and Geology], which is part of the Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Minería [Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining], oversees the mineral sector and provides regulation on mining activities. Most mineral commodities were produced by Government-owned and privately owned companies.