World Mining Congress 2026 welcomes ICMM chairman as keynote speaker

The World Mining Congress 2026 (WMC) in Lima is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the global mining industry. Organizers have announced that Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta PLC and recently re-elected chairman of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), will deliver a plenary address at the conference scheduled for June 24-26.

Arriagada's participation brings significant weight to the Congress, which aims to tackle the pressing challenge of supplying minerals for global electrification under increasingly stringent standards and tighter timelines. His dual role as a mining executive and industry leader positions him uniquely to address the WMC's theme: "Mining for the Future: Trust, Transformation & Technology."

During his previous tenure as ICMM chairman from 2022 to 2024, Arriagada oversaw key industry advancements, including the implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management and efforts to standardize practices and reporting across the sector. His reappointment signals a continued focus on these initiatives.

Arriagada emphasized the alignment between his company's goals and the broader industry objectives, stating, "At Antofagasta, our purpose is to develop mining for a better future, and to that end, we believe it is important to contribute to the responsible development of our industry globally. Through leadership in the ICMM, we can contribute to this goal."

The WMC 2026 aims to serve as a catalyst for change in the mining sector. It will bring together governments, companies, investors, and industry leaders to reimagine traditional practices and strike a new balance between rapid development, large-scale operations, sustainability, and community relations.

Organizers expect the Congress to attract ICMM member companies and forward-thinking organizations keen to anticipate and shape the industry's future. The event will address interconnected challenges such as economic electrification, project acceleration, and risk mitigation, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions.

As the mining industry grapples with increasing demands for both efficiency and responsibility, the WMC 2026 is poised to play a crucial role in charting the sector's path forward. With leaders like Arriagada at the helm, the Congress promises to deliver insights and strategies that could influence mining practices for years to come.