en.Wedoany.com Reported - Former Minister of Energy and Mines Rómulo Mucho, speaking at the First International Uranium and Lithium Forum in Lima, pointed out that enhancing the capacity to transform mineral resources into higher value is an opportunity to strengthen the regional mining industry. In his speech titled "Are We Moving Along the Value Chain or Remaining Only as Mineral Producers?" he explained that critical minerals such as copper and lithium, along with other strategic resources, play a fundamental role in the global energy transition and technological transformation.
In his remarks, Mucho noted that Latin America holds some of the world's largest reserves of strategic minerals, but the challenge lies in moving beyond the extraction phase to develop capabilities that drive transformation, innovation, and knowledge creation within the industry. To this end, the former minister reflected on the need for countries in the region to define how they will participate in the future economy. "Are we continuing to export resources, or are we building the necessary capacities to participate in the future technological economy?" he asked. He also pointed out that while metal mining brings significant economic contributions, moving along the value chain would generate greater economic benefits and knowledge accumulation.
Mucho explained that the growing global demand for critical minerals is reshaping the landscape of global supply chains. Faced with this situation, he emphasized the opportunity for Latin America, with its geological potential, to strengthen its participation in international markets. "For Latin America, one of the regions with the greatest geological potential on Earth, this situation represents a strategic opportunity to enhance its participation in global value chains," he stressed.
The former minister also noted that the development of critical minerals will be closely linked to the competitiveness of countries in the coming years. Before the forum concluded, he left a reflection on the strategic role of these resources: "Critical minerals will not only drive future technologies but will also define global competitiveness in the coming decades," he concluded.
At this international conference, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening technical capabilities, promoting innovation, and fostering greater participation in the value chain of strategic minerals, which will play a key role in global energy and technological development.
