Doris Hiam-Galvez PhD, Programme Chair WMC 2026, comments on the role of South America, and especially Peru, in meeting the demand for critical minerals in the context of the global energy transition.
South America plays a leading role in the global mining industry, with Peru standing out as a model for development. This Andean country has long stood as one of the world’s leading mining nations, and today its role has become even more critical than ever. As the global economy races toward decarbonisation, the demand for copper, lithium, and other critical minerals is accelerating at a pace that challenges supply chains and reshapes investment priorities. Few countries are as well-positioned as Peru to meet this demand.
Copper lies at the centre of this story. Global forecasts indicate that annual refined copper demand, driven in large part due to the energy transition, could rise from around 28 million tpy today to nearly 34 million t by 2035, with potential for even higher demand depending on the pace of the transition. Yet, without significant new investment, the market may face a shortfall as early as 2027. Peru, already one of the world’s largest copper producer, supplying roughly 10% of global output, has both the resources and the momentum to help close this gap. Operations such as Quellaveco, alongside major expansions at Cerro Verde, show the scale and seriousness of this opportunity.
What makes Peru particularly important is not only its vast mineral endowment but also the sophistication of its operations. Anglo American’s Quellaveco was among the first in South America to deploy advanced digital twin models and autonomous haulage fleets. Cerro Verde, operated by Freeport-McMoRan, has consistently invested in cutting-edge concentrator capacity. Las Bambas, a major driver of copper supply, is investing in expansion to boost throughput. Finally, Antamina, one of the world’s largest polymetallic mines, continues to demonstrate how innovation and operational excellence can endure across decades.
Peru is firmly part of the global conversation on mining, Technology and Transformation, even as it works to balance growth with broader social and environmental responsibilities while building the trust that will sustain long term progress.
This is why Peru will host the World Mining Congress (WMC) in 2026. The country embodies both the challenges and the opportunities of mining in the energy transition era: world-class deposits, a track record of technological progress, and a willingness to explore new models of development. The congress will be a call to action. Heads of State, industry leaders, investors, scientists, and global institutions will come together to tackle a challenge: the world may not face an absolute shortage of copper, but we do face a global productivity challenge.
The real question is how to bridge the gap between existing and new production. Can we extract more minerals from the ores we already mine? Can we move material faster, as well as process it in smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways? Can innovation help us leave both the environment and communities stronger than we found them? How can we achieve more with less and do it better?
Peru’s story is not simply about extraction; it is about mining for the future, building the foundations for global lasting prosperity at a moment when the world cannot afford to wait.