Mr. Jorge Valverde Carbonell | Mineral Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yun Xing at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

👨‍🎓Professional Profile

• Google Scholar Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Jorge Patricio Valverde Carbonell’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in economics at the University of Chile, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2006–2010) and a Master’s in Economic Analysis (2011–2012). His academic excellence led him to the University of Groningen, where he contributed as a research assistant in 2012, setting the stage for a future deeply rooted in empirical and policy-driven research. Valverde’s pursuit of a PhD in Economics at the prestigious University of Maastricht – UNU MERIT (2019–2025) highlights his ongoing dedication to advancing knowledge in economic analysis and policy.

💼 Professional Endeavors and Expertise

Valverde’s professional career spans key roles in international organizations, consulting for top economic institutions, and policy advising. His experience includes senior consultancy roles at institutions like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the OECD, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). His expertise lies in economic development, mining competitiveness, and energy transitions, particularly in Latin America.

At UNCTAD (Sep 2024–Feb 2025), he is spearheading an analytical paper examining the role of critical minerals in enhancing Latin American economies. Additionally, his work at Espacio Público involves strategic industry analysis related to Chile’s energy transition, with a focus on lithium and green hydrogen industries. His previous roles at organizations such as the World Bank and OECD have shaped policy frameworks around global value chains, sectoral productivity, and taxation in mining industries, most notably in the Chile copper industry.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Valverde’s research delves into the economic complexity and global value chains of the mining sector, with a special emphasis on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and iron. His most recent publications explore the linkages between critical minerals production and regional competitiveness. His collaboration with Menéndez and Pietrobelli (2024) has led to influential publications in high-impact journals like Journal of Resources Policy and Research Policy Journal, where they analyze mining competitiveness and opportunities for downstream diversification in resource-rich countries.

One of his notable contributions is a comprehensive framework for estimating the fiscal impact of emerging industries in the energy transition, particularly green hydrogen and lithium industries in Latin America. His economic modeling and forecasting in projects like the Energy Transition in the Mining Sector provide valuable insights into how Latin American economies can navigate global shifts in demand for clean energy minerals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Valverde’s work has made a significant impact on policy and economic modeling within Latin America, especially in the context of resource-rich countries transitioning to green energy. His research has been pivotal in shaping national and regional policies around sustainable mining, energy transition strategies, and taxation reforms. His deep analysis of critical minerals value chains and sectoral productivity offers actionable insights for Latin American countries to boost their mining industries’ competitiveness in the global market.

He has also contributed to key international reports, such as the Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, where he addressed the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition for copper, lithium, and iron industries in the region. His research continues to inform the policymaking process in multiple international contexts, reflecting his influence as a thought leader in economic transition studies.

🧠 Academic Cites and Publications

Valverde’s work has been widely cited and recognized by both academics and policymakers. His publications span multiple topics within the field of economic complexity, global value chains, and sustainable mining. A standout example is his forthcoming chapter in the book Downstream Diversification in Mineral-Rich Countries, where he outlines the best strategies for maximizing the value-added potential of critical minerals industries.

Moreover, his research on the economic effects of energy transition policies and fiscal reforms in mining has provided valuable guidance for policymakers in Chile and across Latin America. His academic contributions continue to fuel discussions on smart specialization and green industry development at global forums.

💻 Technical Skills

Jorge Patricio Valverde is highly skilled in empirical economic analysis and policy modeling, with expertise in the following areas:

• Economic Complexity Techniques
• Global Value Chain (GVC) Analysis
• Fiscal Impact Estimation and Tax Modeling
• Energy Transition Modeling
• Data Analysis and Econometrics (using statistical software like Stata and R)
• Economic Forecasting (especially related to commodity markets and taxation)

These technical skills are coupled with his ability to deliver comprehensive policy reports and actionable insights for governments, international organizations, and the private sector. His advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies enable him to conduct rigorous analyses and make sound recommendations on complex economic issues.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Valverde has consistently contributed to academic training and teaching throughout his career. As a tutor at Maastricht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam, he has provided guidance in Econometrics and Statistics to Master’s students. He has also served as a part-time professor at the University of Chile, teaching courses in Macroeconomics and Public Policy Strategy Management. His teaching experience reflects his commitment to fostering the next generation of economists and policymakers by equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle complex global economic challenges.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Valverde’s legacy is already evident in the impact of his work on Latin American economic policy and his research contributions to the global discussions on sustainable development and economic transformation. As he continues his PhD journey at UNU MERIT, his future contributions are expected to further illuminate the pathways for economic resilience and energy transition in mining economies.

His ongoing work on critical minerals and energy transition will continue to shape policies in resource-rich countries, fostering economic diversification and green growth. By bridging the gap between economic theory and practical policy applications, Valverde is poised to leave a lasting mark on the intersection of sustainability, mining economics, and global trade in the coming