Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta Minerals, will preside over the Expomin 2027 International Congress, Latin America’s leading mining trade show, to be held from April 20 to 24 of next year at Espacio Riesco, Santiago.
Under the theme “Mining the World Needs,” the trade show will focus its agenda on the industry’s role in global challenges such as energy security, decarbonization, and the development of new technologies that improve the quality of life for millions of people. It will also address the relationship between mining and local communities, its contribution to development, and the challenge of attracting new talent.
“Today, mining is at the heart of the world’s major transformations. The energy transition, the demand for critical minerals, the incorporation of new technologies, sustainability, and talent development present us with challenges that must be addressed with a global, modern perspective, connected to society. That will be the spirit of the Expomin 2027 Congress,” stated Iván Arriagada.
With more than 30 years of international experience in mining and energy, Arriagada has served as CEO of Antofagasta Minerals and Antofagasta plc, the parent company of the mining group listed on the London Stock Exchange, which also includes the Antofagasta Railway (FCAB), since 2015.
Furthermore, he currently chairs the board of the Mining Council in Chile and the ICMM (International Council of Metals and Mining), an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices in the mining and metals industry worldwide.
His appointment as president of the Expomin Congress continues a tradition of convening industry leaders. In 2025, this event was chaired by Patricio Hidalgo, then CEO of Anglo American in Chile, while previous editions have been led by other prominent mining leaders, such as Amparo Cornejo, Jorge Gómez, Diego Hernández, and Francisco Costabal.
Organized by FISA, part of the GL events Chile Group, the 19th edition of Expomin aims to expand its reach beyond the fairgrounds, highlighting the importance of mining globally and for mining countries.
“Iván Arriagada’s presidency of the Congress is a highly significant contribution. His leadership at Antofagasta Minerals and his vision for modern, responsible mining connected to society reinforce the perspective that Expomin seeks to project. We want Chile to reflect during that week on mining, its importance for development, its connection with communities, and the challenges we face going forward. This appointment will be key to strengthening the bond between the industry and the country,” stated Francisco Sotomayor, CEO of GL events Chile.
Based on this perspective, the Congress agenda will be structured around five strategic axes that reflect the main debates in current mining and its role in the face of global transformations: geopolitics; artificial intelligence and mining; sustainability and decarbonization; critical minerals; and talent and new generations. In this context, the European Union will be the special guest at Expomin 2027, with the participation of member countries, leading companies in the mining and technology sectors, research centers, and academic institutions. Its presence will contribute to the exchange of expertise on topics such as applied innovation, clean technologies, digitalization, the circular economy, and sustainability—issues directly linked to the challenges that will shape the Congress’s discussions.
The 2027 edition is projected based on the positive results achieved in 2025, when the event attracted 83,498 visitors, brought together 1,372 exhibitors from 35 countries, and occupied 100,000 square meters. In terms of content, 39 seminars were held, and more than 160 speakers participated, reaffirming Expomin’s role as one of the leading platforms for networking, content, and opportunities for the regional mining industry.