en.Wedoany.com Reported - The World Mining Congress (WMC 2026) concluded last week in Peru, with the consensus that the future of mining depends on accelerating technology adoption, strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, and building greater social trust.
Homar Lozano, Director of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas del Perú, IIMP), published a commentary in Revista Minería summarizing the 27th congress. Themed "Mining for the Future: Trust, Transformation, and Technology," Lozano stated that the congress analyzed how mining should respond to the energy and technology transition driven by growing demand for critical minerals, concluding that the industry should lead a transformation balancing higher productivity with responsible management.
One of the main challenges is accelerating the application of new technologies in mining operations to improve efficiency, enhance resilience, and deepen the implementation of ESG standards. Lozano noted that this evolution helps achieve cleaner production, meet global mineral demand, and position mining as a key engine of economic development. The congress also emphasized the importance of strengthening industry-society relations. Developing new projects requires building greater trust with communities, fostering transparent dialogue, and sharing benefits within a mutually beneficial framework.
Lozano believes WMC 2026 aims to be a turning point, promoting transparency and open dialogue in mining, and fostering coordination among industry, academia, government, and civil society. Goals include building alliances to address global challenges like climate change, supporting technological progress needed for global economic development, while balancing sustainability and people's well-being. He concluded that the congress leaves the industry with a clear roadmap: future mining must combine technological innovation, high sustainability standards, and stronger social trust to meet energy transition challenges and solidify the industry's contribution to global development.
