The exhibition’s seminar program has brought together executives from leading mining and energy companies, government authorities, international organizations and industry experts to discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the sector over the coming decades.
Chile’s mining and energy investment pipeline, regional development, energy competitiveness and the strategic role of critical minerals have been among the key topics addressed during the first days of the seminar program at EXPONOR 2026.
Held at the Mining Cluster Hall in the Molybdenum Pavilion, the sessions have brought together representatives from mining and energy companies, public institutions, industry associations, research centers and international organizations, further consolidating EXPONOR as one of the leading international platforms for knowledge exchange and strategic discussion on the future of mining and energy.
Marko Razmilic, President of the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), emphasized the importance of these forums, stating: "EXPONOR has historically served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experience and best practices among industry, suppliers, academia and the broader mining and energy ecosystem. Through these seminars, we seek to create spaces that strengthen collaboration, promote technological development and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Antofagasta Region and Chile as a whole. We are extremely pleased with the caliber of speakers and the relevance of the topics being addressed during this edition."
Investments Driving the Future of the Industry
One of the main themes explored during the seminars was the growing global demand for copper, driven by the energy transition, electric mobility, artificial intelligence and the expansion of electrical infrastructure worldwide. Against this backdrop, executives from Escondida | BHP, Sierra Gorda SCM, Minera Centinela, AES Chile and Codelco presented major investment initiatives that are expected to shape the future of the industry over the coming years.
Among the projects highlighted were Escondida | BHP’s New Concentrator Project, representing an investment exceeding US$5 billion; Minera Centinela’s expansion plans, expected to increase Antofagasta Minerals Group’s production by nearly 30%; AES Chile’s strategy to expand renewable energy generation and energy storage systems; Sierra Gorda SCM’s experience in developing low-grade ore deposits through innovation and operational efficiency; and Codelco’s District Synergies model, designed to share infrastructure, optimize investments and maximize the value of its mining assets.
Regional Development and Energy Competitiveness
The second seminar focused on strategic leadership and regional development, exploring how mining can generate shared value for the communities and regions where it operates. Presentations by Codelco, Colbún, Teck Quebrada Blanca, Compañía Minera del Pacífico and representatives of the Antofagasta Regional Government highlighted the importance of combining industrial growth with innovation, sustainability, supplier development and stronger relationships with local communities.
The discussions also examined mining’s growing role in Chile’s energy transition. Speakers noted that more than 80% of the electricity consumed by the country’s large-scale mining industry now comes from renewable sources, positioning the sector as one of the main drivers accelerating the decarbonization of Chile’s energy matrix.
Energy competitiveness was the central focus of the third seminar, which featured representatives from XM ISA Subsidiary, the National Electricity Coordinator, BHP Minerals Americas, Generadoras de Chile and ACENOR. Participants agreed that access to clean, reliable and competitive energy will be one of the key factors sustaining the long-term growth of Chile’s mining industry.
The discussions also addressed the need to strengthen transmission infrastructure, expand energy storage systems and develop more resilient and flexible electricity networks capable of supporting growing demand from mining electrification, data centers, artificial intelligence and emerging industries linked to the global energy transition.
Critical Minerals: A Strategic Opportunity for Chile
One of the most significant seminars focused on critical minerals and global supply chains. Representatives from AusIMM, Cochilco, SONAMI, CESCO, APRIMIN and the European Union agreed that minerals such as copper and lithium have become increasingly strategic for the energy security, technological development and industrial competitiveness of the world’s leading economies.
Claudia Rodríguez, Acting Executive Vice President of Cochilco, stated: "Copper is no longer simply a commodity; it has become a strategic asset for global development. Demand is no longer driven solely by construction or traditional industries, but also by electrification, electric mobility, data centers, artificial intelligence and other emerging sectors. For Chile, which holds some of the world's largest reserves, this represents a tremendous opportunity that requires effective coordination between the public and private sectors to unlock its full potential."
Forecasts presented during the seminar indicate that global copper demand could increase by nearly 70% by 2050, while lithium consumption is expected to multiply several times over in the coming decades due to the rapid expansion of electric mobility, energy storage technologies, data centers and artificial intelligence.
Within this context, SONAMI President Jorge Riesco emphasized: "To fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by critical minerals, Chile must continue strengthening its competitiveness. One of the most important elements is providing legal certainty and regulatory stability, ensuring that permitting and authorization processes are transparent, predictable and consistent over time. That confidence is essential to attracting the investment required for the country’s mining development."
Knowledge to Address Tomorrow’s Challenges
EXPONOR 2026’s seminar program will continue during the exhibition’s final day, focusing on mining and energy investment projects, innovation, technology scale-up, human capital development and female leadership.
Ahead of his participation in the seminar Mining and Energy Investment Projects, Boris Medina, President of Minera El Abra, highlighted the significance of this year for the company. "This year has special significance for Minera El Abra as we submitted our operational continuity and expansion project to Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System while also celebrating 30 years of operations. The Antofagasta Region will attract a significant share of mining investment over the coming years, creating tremendous opportunities not only for project developers but also for suppliers and service companies throughout the mining value chain."
Through these forums for reflection and strategic dialogue, EXPONOR 2026 continues to strengthen its contribution to the development of a more competitive, sustainable and innovative mining and energy industry, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among the leading stakeholders of Chile’s and the world’s productive ecosystems.
