Lima, Peru – May 25, 2026 – The highly anticipated XVI International Mining Symposium, a cornerstone event organized by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum, and Energy (SNMPE), commenced today at the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel in Lima. Running until May 28th, this year’s symposium arrives at a pivotal moment for Peru, as the nation stands on the cusp of a new presidential administration following the upcoming second round of elections. The event aims to foster informed dialogue and provide critical technical insights into the future of Peru’s vital mining sector, addressing its impact on formality, investment, competitiveness, and governance.
The official opening ceremony, held this morning, was graced by the presence of distinguished figures, including Diego Ortega, President of the Executive Committee of the XVI SIMPOSIO, and the Honorable Carlos Pareja Ríos, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who formally inaugurated the proceedings.
H2: A Sector at a Crossroads: Navigating Political Shifts and Global Demands
The timing of the XVI SIMPOSIO is particularly resonant given Peru’s current political landscape. As the country prepares to elect new leaders and embark on a fresh policy cycle, the decisions made in the coming months will profoundly influence the trajectory of the mining industry. This year’s symposium is strategically designed to equip policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders with robust technical data, empirical evidence, and a clear understanding of the multifaceted economic, social, and environmental contributions of modern mining.
"Peru needs to engage in public policy discussions regarding mining with seriousness, evidence, and a sense of responsibility," stated Diego Ortega, President of the Executive Committee of the XVI SIMPOSIO. "The XVI SIMPOSIO seeks to offer a technical, long-term perspective on the role of formal mining as an engine for development, investment, and opportunity for Peru, especially in the current international context where the demand for minerals is ever-increasing."
Since its inception in 1994, the SIMPOSIO has established itself as an uninterrupted forum, bringing together a diverse array of participants including government officials, industry titans, technical experts, academics, investors, and representatives from civil society. The sixteenth edition of this influential gathering broadens its scope to encompass critical contemporary issues such as the global energy transition, the escalating demand for strategic minerals, technological innovation, sustainability imperatives, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks – all of which present significant challenges and opportunities at both global and national levels.
H2: Keynote Address by Dambisa Moyo: Transforming Resources into Progress
A major highlight of the symposium is the keynote address by Dr. Dambisa Moyo, a globally renowned international economist specializing in macroeconomics and globalization. Dr. Moyo will deliver a compelling presentation titled "A Land of Opportunity: How to Transform Resources into Progress." Her insights will offer a crucial global perspective on how resource-rich nations can effectively leverage their natural wealth to foster growth, enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and achieve sustainable development. Following her address, Dr. Moyo will engage in a dynamic dialogue with Diego Macera, Director of the Peruvian Economic Institute (IPE), and Carolina Trivelli, a member of the Fiscal Council of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).
H2: A Comprehensive Agenda: Tackling the Multifaceted Challenges of Modern Mining
The symposium’s agenda is packed with critical discussions spanning a wide range of topics essential for the mining sector’s future. These include global economic trends, public policy formulation, investment strategies, the electricity system, energy transition initiatives, artificial intelligence, exploration techniques, financing mechanisms, sustainability practices, social management, human rights considerations, and overall competitiveness.
Specific thematic sessions will delve into:
- Global Mining Landscape: Analyzing international trends and their impact on Peru.
- Public Policy and Governance: Shaping effective regulatory frameworks for the sector.
- Production and Investment Strategies: Driving growth and attracting capital.
- Sustainability and Energy Transition: Balancing environmental responsibility with future energy needs.
- Electrical Reliability: Ensuring stable energy supply for operations.
- Talent and Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and skilled workforce.
- Technology and Innovation: Leveraging new tools for enhanced productivity.
- Critical Minerals: Addressing the growing importance of strategic resources.
- Exploration and Financing: Unlocking new mineral potential and securing necessary funding.
H2: A Global Assembly of Experts and Industry Leaders
The XVI SIMPOSIO has attracted a distinguished roster of international speakers who will share their expertise and perspectives. Among them are:
- Juan Carlos Artigas (World Gold Council)
- Joaquín Proenza (University of Barcelona)
- Carlos Batlle (Universidad Pontificia Comillas)
- Juan Ricardo Ortega (Grupo Energía Bogotá)
- Thibaut Larrat (McKinsey & Company)
- Diego Montoya (Google)
- Paul Mitchell (EY Global)
- Juan Carlos Guajardo (Plusmining)
- Michael Di Rienzo (Silver Institute)
These international luminaries will engage in discussions alongside prominent national and regional leaders from the mining industry.
H2: Driving Investment and Competitiveness: Insights from Global and Local Executives
A significant segment of the symposium will focus on the strategic imperatives for investment and competitiveness. The panel session, "Global Mining Executives: Strategy, Markets, and Perspectives," will be moderated by Roque Benavides, Chairman of the Board of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura. This crucial discussion will feature insights from top executives including:
- Ruben Fernandes (Anglo American)
- Andrea Vaccari (Freeport-McMoRan Inc.)
- Gong Yu (China Minmetals)
- Isaac Franklin Unkind (Mining Corporation)
- Juan Pablo Garrido (Rio Tinto)
These leaders will dissect the challenges and opportunities facing investment in the mining sector and explore strategies to enhance Peru’s global competitiveness.
Further deepening the conversation on national mining strategies, the session titled "Peruvian Mining: Strategies to Boost Production and Investments" will host leading Peruvian CEOs:
- Víctor Göbitz (Quilla Resources)
- Raúl Jacob (Southern Peru Copper Corporation)
- Juan Luis Kruger (Minsur)
- Pablo Carvallo (Glencore)
Their collective perspectives will offer a grounded view of the opportunities and hurdles specific to Peru’s mining landscape.
H2: Embracing Technological Advancements and the Digital Revolution
The XVI SIMPOSIO is also dedicating a significant portion of its program to the transformative power of technology and innovation. In a cross-sectoral approach, the event will feature participation from Google, alongside representatives from sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, and construction. The objective is to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging digital tools can significantly enhance productivity, boost competitiveness, and inform decision-making across various economic sectors. This focus underscores the recognition that technological adoption is no longer a peripheral concern but a central driver of future economic success.
H2: Latin America’s Role in the Global Critical Minerals Race
Another pivotal block of discussions will center on "Latin America in the Framework of Global Competition for Critical Minerals." This session will delve into the evolving geopolitical landscape and the challenges and opportunities facing the region in attracting investment and solidifying its position as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals. The discussion will benefit from the participation of Paul Mitchell from EY Global and will be expertly moderated by Juan Carlos Guajardo of Plusmining, offering a comprehensive analysis of regional dynamics in the context of global demand for essential raw materials.
H2: Addressing the Impact of Illegal Economies on Human Rights
On the final day of the symposium, a critical study titled "Impact of Illegal Economies on Human Rights" will be presented by Nicolás Zevallos, Director of Public Affairs at the Institute of Criminology and Studies on Violence. This presentation will critically examine the detrimental effects of illegal mining and other illicit economic activities on human rights, governance structures, public safety, and the overall legitimacy of formal productive enterprises. This session highlights the symposium’s commitment to addressing the broader societal implications of economic activities.
H2: Financial Frameworks for Sustainable Growth
The financial discussions at the symposium will be particularly impactful, featuring Julio Velarde, President of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, alongside representatives from national and international banking institutions. Their dialogue will focus on the essential financial and macroeconomic conditions required to sustain Peru’s economic growth and facilitate new investment inflows into the mining sector and beyond. This ensures a holistic approach to economic development, recognizing the interplay between financial stability and sectoral growth.
H2: Implications for Peru’s Future Governance and Development
In light of the nation’s ongoing political transition, the XVI SIMPOSIO is positioned as a crucial platform for dialogue and consensus-building. The discussions and insights generated are intended to serve as valuable input for the incoming government, shaping a roadmap that can guide future policy decisions. The event reaffirms the indispensable role of formal mining as a strategic ally in Peru’s pursuit of sustainable development, emphasizing its capacity to generate wealth, create employment, and contribute to national progress.
For further details and to access the full program, please visit www.simposio.pe.
