The 8th International Congress Desalination Latin America 2026, scheduled for June 17-18 in Santiago, Chile, highlights the region's accelerating desalination sector, driven largely by Chile's mining industry. According to the event's organizer, Vostock Capital, Chile has committed over $18 billion to desalination projects, representing the core of Latin America's more than $20 billion in total investments. This positions Chile as the anchor market in a region experiencing rapid growth.
Globally, desalination supplies water to over 300 million people through more than 17,000 plants producing 107 million cubic meters per day. Latin America's momentum is notable, with over 25 desalination projects under development, led by Chile and Peru. Peru is actively promoting six new seawater desalination plants to expand drinking water access.
Chile's installed desalination capacity currently stands at 11 plants with a combined capacity of 6,472 liters per second, primarily serving industrial users. The country's copper mining sector has significantly increased water demand, with seawater now representing more than 30% of total mining water use. This shift is critical as mining operations face water scarcity and environmental pressures.
The congress, which enjoys official support from the Ministry of Mining from Chile, will feature CEOs from leading businesses in the regional desalination sector. Sponsors include LG Chem, Soltex, Mining Company Curacao – MMC, and International Valve. The event aims to foster collaboration and showcase technological advancements in desalination.
The implications of this announcement are far-reaching. Chile's investment dominance underscores the critical role of desalination in supporting industrial growth, particularly in water-stressed regions. As mining operations expand, the reliance on seawater desalination is expected to grow, potentially setting a precedent for other mining-intensive economies. Moreover, the broader Latin American pipeline of over 25 projects signals a sustained commitment to addressing water scarcity, with public-sector initiatives in Peru highlighting the dual focus on industrial and municipal water needs.
For stakeholders, the congress offers a platform to explore partnership opportunities and stay abreast of market trends. The concentration of investment in Chile suggests that the country will continue to be a key player in the global desalination market, with implications for technology providers, investors, and policy makers. The event's timing in 2026 allows for a review of progress on current projects and the announcement of new initiatives.
