Plenary Program
Why:
A Renewed Focus on Mining for the Future
Project Planning and Execution, inspired by Bent Flyvbjerg, a world authority on megaprojects
What:
Unlocking the Value we Already Have
Unlocking Existing Value. Getting more from what we already have, with mining companies focused on productivity
How:
Making Transformation Happen
Shifting Mindsets, guided by Beau Lotto, recognized for his work on perception
Sustainability and responsibility are not treated as separate topics; they are integral to every discussion, shaping how we think about trust, transformation and technology.
The Congress is intentionally designed to bring diverse global voices into action.
Why: A Renewed Focus on Mining for the Future
Aligning around vision, leadership, and the mindset needed for the future.
| Time | Opening Sessions |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 |
Welcome. The Imperative for Urgency and Focus to Meet Minerals Demand
Abraham Chahuan, President, WMC 2026 |
| 9:00 – 10:00 |
Opening Keynote: Do We Need to Change Our Thinking?
Beau Lotto, CEO, Lab of Misfits |
| 10:00 – 10:45 |
Panel: From Urgency to Action
Iván Arriagada, CEO, Antofagasta |
| 10:45 – 11:00 |
Call to Action
Doris Hiam-Galvez, Program Chair, WMC 2026 |
| Transformation: Project Focus | |
| 11:00 – 12:00 |
Panel: What Makes Projects Succeed or Fail?
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor, Oxford University James Marzocca, Vice Chair, Hatch |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 14:00 |
Fireside chat: What Makes a Successful Project?
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor, Oxford University Sarah Gordon, CEO, Satarla |
| 14:30 – 15:30 |
Panel: Accelerating Project Delivery Responsibly
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor, Oxford University |
What: Unlocking the Value We Already Have
What must change to unlock greater value from existing assets.
| Time | Transformation – Productivity Focus |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 8:35 |
Introduction
Dario Zegarra, President of IIMP |
| 8:35 – 9:20 |
Panel: Systems view: Getting More from What We Already Have
Natascha Viljoen, CEO, Newmont |
| 9:20 – 10:05 |
Panel: Existing and Emerging Risks That May Disrupt the Value Chain
Jorge Gómez, CEO, Collahuasi Sarah Gordon, CEO, Satarla |
| 10:05 – 11:05 |
Panel: Can We Unlock More Value from Waste?
Inge Hofkens, COO, Aurubis Multimetal Recycling Peter Harvey, Former MD, Closure & Legacy, Rio Tinto |
| 11:05 – 11:35 |
Panel: Does The Mining Business Model Have to Change?
Eva Arias, Chairwoman Board, Poderosa Krutika Bala, MD, Resources Now |
| 11:35 – 12:00 |
Panel: Are We Investing for the Future? Talent Focus for the Next Decade
Jef Caers, Professor, Stanford University Liz Dennett, CEO, Endolith |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 14:00 |
Fireside Chat: Mining for the Future
Mark Cutifani, Partner, Odin Partnership Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO, ICMM |
How: Making Transformation Happen
Technology enables change; people make it happen.
| Time | Technology as an enabler |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 8:35 |
Introduction
Doris Hiam-Galvez, Program Chair, WMC 2026 |
| 8:35 – 9:20 |
Panel: How Do We Find the Minerals?
Jef Caers, Professor, Stanford University Karen Hanghøj, Director, British Geological Survey |
| 9:20 – 10:05 |
Panel: How Do We Drive System Effectiveness and Efficiency?
Toni Laaksonen, CEO, FLSmidth Alfonso Muñoz, Director Production, Chinalco |
| 10:05 – 10:50 |
Panel: Waste Solutions: Co-Mingling, Recovery, Reprocessing & New Value Streams
Nestor Deza, VP Engineering & Projects, Antamina Mariel Rentería, CEO, Mixto |
| 10:50 – 11:35 |
Panel: How Do We Build the Organization with the Skills and Talent for the Future?
Karen Hanghøj, Director, British Geological Survey Liz Dennett, CEO, Endolith |
| 11:35 – 12:00 |
Panel: How Do We Bring It All Together? Action, Priorities and How to Measure Progress
Jef Caers, Professor, Stanford University |
| Closing Sessions | |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 14:00 |
Closing Keynote: Thriving Because of Uncertainty
Beau Lotto, CEO, Lab of Misfits |
| 16:00 – 17:00 |
Closing Session: The Path Forward Together
Iván Arriagada, CEO, Antofagasta Doris Hiam-Galvez, Program Chair, WMC 2026 |
