Why mining must deliver critical minerals faster than ever

Electrification, decarbonization, and the energy transition are dramatically accelerating demand for critical minerals and the industry must respond not only with higher output, but with greater speed, predictability, and sustainability.

At the close of a recent international webinar focused on artificial intelligence in mining, Abraham Chahuán, President of World Mining Congress 2026, outlined what many of us in the sector already recognize: uncertainty and long project timelines are no longer acceptable in a world racing toward energy transition targets.

Technological transformation,  particularly AI-driven decision systems, is becoming central to shortening discovery cycles and accelerating project development. From exploration and resource modeling to planning and operational management, digital tools are redefining how mineral assets are evaluated and unlocked.

As Chahuan emphasized: “The world needs more minerals, and it needs them faster, to electrify economies and drive the energy transition.”

This statement captures the essence of today’s challenge. The issue is not only volume it is velocity, efficiency, governance, and environmental responsibility.

Technology + Governance + Sustainability

As Reporte Minero states responding to global demand for strategic minerals requires an integrated approach: advanced AI and data-driven exploration to reduce geological uncertainty, faster project development cycles supported by digital modeling, strong governance frameworks and social license to operate, environmental responsibility embedded in every project phase, cross-sector collaboration between industry, academia, and governments.

Mining companies that successfully combine these elements will lead the next phase of resource development.

Looking ahead WMC 2026

After more than five decades, Peru will once again host the global mining community. The World Mining Congress 2026 between June 24-26, 2026 in Lima will focus on three strategic pillars:

• Vision and leadership for future-oriented mining
• Unlocking and maximizing the value of existing assets
• Achieving real transformation by integrating technology and human capital

The conversation is shifting from whether transformation is necessary to how fast we can implement it.

If you are engaged in digital mining, critical minerals strategy, AI in geoscience, sustainable extraction, project optimization, or energy transition policy, this will be a defining platform for the industry. Find out more at the official WMC 2026 webside.