The President of the World Mining Congress 2026 warned that the energy transition is placing mounting pressure on the mining industry to reduce uncertainty and shorten project development timelines.
Lima, February 19, 2026. The global mining industry faces growing pressure to increase the supply of strategic minerals amid the accelerating energy transition and the electrification of economies. This was underscored by Abraham Chahuan, President of the World Mining Congress 2026, at the close of an international webinar focused on artificial intelligence in mining.
Chahuan emphasized that technological transformation has become a decisive factor in shortening discovery cycles and accelerating the development of new deposits. “Today, Jef showed us how artificial intelligence is reshaping mining, from exploration to decision-making, helping us reduce uncertainty, optimize resources, and accelerate the discovery of critical minerals,” he said, referring to the presentation delivered by Professor Jef Caers.
According to the congress president, the debate is no longer solely about how much to produce, but how to do so more efficiently and under increasingly stringent sustainability standards. “The world needs more minerals, and it needs them faster, to electrify economies and drive the energy transition,” he stated, stressing that the industry must integrate innovation, governance, and environmental responsibility to meet rising demand.
Key challenges
In that context, Chahuan posed what he described as a central question for the sector: “What must we do to deliver the minerals the world needs efficiently, fast and sustainably?” In his view, the answer lies in accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and governments.
Chahuan also recalled that Peru previously hosted the Congress in 1974 and that in 2026, organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), Lima will once again convene the global mining community.
He further noted that the technical agenda will be structured around three strategic pillars: the first day will focus on vision, leadership, and the mindset required for mining’s future; the second will address how to unlock greater value from existing assets; and the third will examine how to make transformation happen, recognizing that while technology enables change, people ultimately drive it.
WMC 2026 will take place at the Lima Convention Center — Av. de la Arqueología 206, San Borja, Lima, Peru. Registration for the Congress is now open, with Early Bird rates available at special prices until March 31, through the official website: https://wmc2026.org/registration/.
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