The exhibition brought together 60,000 visitors, 1,382 exhibiting companies from 36 countries and the European Union, as well as the President of the Republic, ministers and deputy ministers, 25 ambassadors, and representatives from the world's leading mining and energy companies, becoming the largest event ever held in the Antofagasta Region.
With record-breaking participation, broad international representation, and an agenda focused on innovation, sustainability, business opportunities, and technology transfer, EXPONOR 2026 concluded this Thursday by further strengthening the position of the Antofagasta Region as one of the world's leading mining, energy, technology, industrial, port, and logistics hubs.
With an estimated US$1.2 billion in projected business opportunities and a record attendance of 60,000 visitors, the exhibition—organized by the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA)—brought together 1,382 exhibiting companies, including 552 international exhibitors from 36 countries and the European Union, consolidating this edition as the most significant event ever held in the Antofagasta Region.
The opening ceremony was led by President José Antonio Kast, marking the return of a sitting Chilean president to the exhibition after more than two decades. The event also welcomed six cabinet ministers, three deputy ministers, 25 ambassadors, regional authorities, executives from the world's leading mining and energy companies, business associations, representatives of international organizations, universities, and research centers.
During the closing ceremony, Switzerland was officially announced as the Guest Country of Honor for EXPONOR 2028, reaffirming the exhibition's global character and its capacity to continue strengthening technological, commercial, and industrial cooperation between Chile and the world's leading markets.
Marko Razmilic, President of the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), highlighted that: "EXPONOR 2026 has once again demonstrated that Antofagasta is where the industries driving global development come together. Over these four days, we witnessed mining, energy, innovation, academia, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and public authorities converging to address the major challenges of the future. This has been the largest edition in our history and a tangible demonstration of our region's leadership in productive development, technology, and sustainability."
Business Opportunities, Innovation and Technology Transfer
One of the main focuses of this edition was creating business opportunities and strengthening connections between operating companies and suppliers. The Business Roundtable exceeded 3,793 face-to-face business meetings between national and international companies, while the Networking After Office events brought together procurement executives from the country's leading mining and energy companies.
The exhibition also hosted more than 70 technical delegations from over 30 mining, energy, industrial companies, and major suppliers, whose representatives toured the exhibition in search of new technologies, services, and innovations applicable to their operations.
In the field of innovation, EXPONOR 2026 launched a new edition of Launch Your Innovation, a platform that attracted 120 applicants, from which 30 technology entrepreneurs from different regions of Chile were selected to showcase solutions related to artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability, industrial monitoring, safety, and digital transformation.
Knowledge to Address Tomorrow’s Challenges
EXPONOR 2026 featured seven international seminars and 150 technical talks, providing forums to discuss topics including mining and energy investments, critical minerals, energy competitiveness, regional development, innovation, female leadership, human capital, and sustainability.
These events brought together representatives from companies such as BHP, Codelco, Antofagasta Minerals, Sierra Gorda SCM, Glencore, Teck, AES Chile, Colbún, ENGIE, Albemarle, and Minera El Abra, as well as organizations including Cochilco, SONAMI, APRIMIN, CESCO, the European Union, and various national and international research institutions.
Connecting with the Territory
The exhibition also strengthened its connection with local communities and regional identity through dedicated spaces highlighting sustainability initiatives, technology entrepreneurs, local suppliers, artists, artisans, and cultural representatives from across the region.
As part of this initiative, more than 40 artisans from different municipalities throughout the region showcased products inspired by the area's cultural heritage and traditions, while the AIA-SME Pavilion enabled regional small and medium-sized enterprises to present their capabilities and solutions to national and international companies.
In addition, nine technical visits to eight mining and energy operations across the region promoted the exchange of knowledge and first-hand experience of the operations that position Antofagasta as Chile's leading mining district.
With these results, EXPONOR 2026 reaffirms its position as one of the world's most important mining and energy exhibitions, creating new opportunities for national development for industry, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and the Antofagasta Region while contributing to the challenges of the global energy transition.
