South America
In 2002, the larger-company mineral exploration market in South America was valued at over $475 million, or more than 20% of the $2.1 billion larger-company market worldwide.

Twelve of the larger Canadian-based companies planned to spend, in total, over $150 million in the region, about the same as in the previous year. Their programs accounted for 30% of all mineral exploration activity in South America . Canadian companies held the dominant share of the mineral exploration market in Peru , Chile and Argentina . These countries rank second, fifth and seventh, respectively, in terms of countries where Canadian companies are the most active in mineral exploration.

At the end of 2002, companies of all sizes listed on Canadian stock exchanges held interests in over 600 mineral properties throughout South America , about the same as in the previous year. They held more than 150 properties in Argentina , almost 140 in Peru , more than 75 in each of Brazil and Chile , about 30 in Bolivia , and about 25 in each of Venezuela , Guyana and Ecuador.

Central America
In 2002, the larger-company mineral exploration market in Central America was valued at roughly $6 million, or less than 1% of the $2.1 billion larger-company market worldwide. None of the larger Canadian-based companies reported exploration programs in the region.

However, Central America is one of the regions of the world where the smaller companies dominate mineral exploration. In 2002, the smaller Canadian-based companies were expected to undertake more than 80% of the $13 million smaller-company exploration programs planned for the region.

At the end of 2002, companies of all sizes listed on Canadian stock exchanges held interests in about 80 mineral properties throughout Central America . They held 15 or more in each of Guatemala , Honduras and Panama.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/pdf/explor/2003/3.03-e.pdf