en.Wedoany.com Reported - The 21st edition of Exponor 2026 officially opened in the presence of Chilean President José Antonio Kast, marking the first time a sitting head of state has attended the event since 1999. This major mining exhibition in the Americas is organized by the Industrial Association of Antofagasta (Asociación de Industriales de Antofagasta).
In his opening speech, the President emphasized the need for parliamentary agreements to drive and promote investment in northern Chile. He stated that progress is needed on legislative bills, improvements in tax competitiveness, and solutions to issues where permitting processes affect industries. He also called on the Ministry of the Environment to improve management by convening ministerial committees and enacting laws to attract more investment and create jobs. The President invited investors to bet on Chile, noting that the country, with no electoral processes in the past two years, is in a favorable window to advance long-term projects, focusing on agreements and development policies with support from multiple political forces.
Exponor 2026, held from June 8 to 11, is one of the largest business events in Chile this year. The event brings together 1,380 exhibitors from 36 countries, with international participation exceeding one-third, and is expected to attract 47,000 visitors from around the world. Canada, the guest country of honor, is Chile's main foreign investor, with over 50% of its investments concentrated in the mining sector. It will be represented by a delegation of 60 companies from Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. The exhibition features 18 international pavilions, with the largest number of exhibitors from China, Germany, the United States, and Canada, while the European Union is represented by companies from 14 countries.
The Exponor 2026 agenda includes: over 150 technical lectures; 11 business centers with participation from Chile's major mining companies; a business matchmaking session expected to hold 3,400 face-to-face meetings; visits to 8 mining sites; and seminars on topics such as investment, energy, critical minerals, innovation, and talent.
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