More than 300 technical papers, 38 countries, one global conversation, WMC 2026

As the mining industry faces unprecedented pressure to deliver critical minerals faster, safer, and more sustainably, one question is becoming increasingly important: where will the next generation of ideas come from?

At the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026 in Lima, the answer will be clear: from the researchers, engineers, innovators, and industry professionals gathering from across the globe to share the technologies and strategies shaping the future of mining. The Technical Program of WMC 2026 will feature 272 oral presentations and 31 technical posters selected through a rigorous review process from nearly 600 submissions representing 38 countries across five continents. The scale of participation demonstrates the growing international importance of the Congress as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation within the global mining sector.

The technologies transforming mining

Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Decision Making, Autonomous Systems and Robotics, Smart Operations, Systems Integration, Mining Innovation, Next-Generation Geosciences and Exploration, Decarbonization, Critical Minerals, Circular Economy, Resource Recovery, and Process Innovation will be among the key themes explored throughout the Congress. These are not theoretical discussions. They are the technologies, processes, and business models that will determine how the industry responds to rising demand for minerals essential to electrification, energy security, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.

The diversity of contributors from Peru, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Chile, the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America also highlights a fundamental reality: the future of mining will be built through global collaboration.

A technical program designed for industry impact

Beginning each afternoon at the Lima Convention Center, presentations will take place across eight parallel technical rooms, creating a dynamic environment where attendees can engage directly with leading researchers and practitioners. Digital poster presentations will further showcase emerging ideas and breakthrough research throughout the three-day event.

Importantly, the technical discussions will complement a world-class plenary program featuring some of the most influential voices in mining, technology, project delivery, innovation, and sustainability. Industry leaders and thought leaders such as Bent Flyvbjerg, Beau Lotto, Natascha Viljoen, Iván Arriagada, Marna Cloete, Mikael Staffas, Mark Cutifani, Robert Friedland, Rohitesh Dhawan, Michelle Ash, Flavia Tata Nardini and Tim O’Connor will contribute insights on leadership, technology, project delivery, mineral discovery, competitiveness, and the future direction of the mining industry.

Mining for the future

Under the theme “Mining for the Future: Trust, Transformation and Technology,” WMC 2026 will bring together technical experts, mining executives, policymakers, investors, academics, and innovators to address one of the defining challenges of our time: how to deliver the minerals society urgently needs while improving productivity, sustainability, and social performance.

For anyone working at the intersection of mining, technology, critical minerals, AI, sustainability, automation, or exploration, Lima will be one of the most important destinations in the global mining calendar. Join the conversation. Join the technical sessions. Join the future of mining.