The CESCO Week Santiago 2025, held from April 7 to 11 in Santiago, became one of the most important events for the mining industry globally. Organized by the Center for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO), the event brought together thousands of professionals in the mining sector, from leaders of large companies to academics and government representatives, with a single goal in mind: to transform mining into a key tool for sustainable development.
During five days of intense activities, the CESCO Week addressed crucial issues such as sustainability, new technologies in mining and the governance of strategic resources, especially copper. Chile, as one of the world’s leading producers of this mineral, was the perfect setting to discuss how this resource, fundamental for the global energy transition, should be managed to ensure a positive impact both on the environment and on the communities near the deposits.
The forums of this edition stood out for their focus on responsible mining. The Sustainability Forum offered an in-depth reflection on best practices to minimize the ecological footprint of mining operations and promote social inclusion in communities. Throughout the discussions, the need to implement state-of-the-art technologies to make the extraction and processing of minerals more efficient was underlined, always with a strong commitment to the environment.
One of the highlights of the event was the Forum of Strategic Challenges for Mining Development in Chile, where the obstacles and opportunities faced by the mining sector in an increasingly competitive global context were analyzed. With the growing demand for strategic minerals, such as lithium and copper, essential for clean energy technologies, the need to find new deposits and optimize production becomes a priority for producing countries.
In addition, the event included a series of international meetings, such as the Korea-Chile Copper Connect 2025, where delegations from Korea and Chile explored new strategic alliances for cooperation in the mining sector. This type of initiative demonstrates the growing international interest in Chilean copper, a key mineral for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
A Global Approach to Sustainable Mining
Throughout the week, one of the most discussed topics was the importance of adopting cleaner and more socially responsible mining. Various technological innovation initiatives were addressed, such as the use of renewable energy in mining operations and advances in automation and artificial intelligence, which optimize operations and reduce risks for workers. These technologies not only help improve productivity, but also play a fundamental role in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.
A key point was the Forum of Excellence in Mining Project Management, where best practices in the planning and execution of large mining projects were discussed. Experts shared their experiences on how to manage risks in large-scale projects, ensure occupational safety and, at the same time, maximize the profitability of operations.
On the other hand, the event also offered unique networking opportunities. The CESCO Dinner 2025 brought together more than 500 professionals in the sector in a gala dinner where key conversations were generated about investments, project development and the evolution of mining in the 21st century. The interaction between the attendees made it possible to share ideas, establish new commercial alliances and discuss policies that can help strengthen the mining sector.
Chile, Mining Center of the Future
CESCO Week 2025 reaffirms Chile’s central role in the future of global mining. In a context of growing demand for strategic minerals, such as lithium and copper, the country is positioned as a leader in the energy transition and sustainability. Discussions on the mining of the future at CESCO Week highlight the need to combine resource extraction with the implementation of innovative technologies and responsible management practices that can contribute to a greener and more sustainable world.
With the participation of international experts and the collaboration of important industry players, this event underlines that mining is not only a fundamental part of the global economy, but also a key to driving the transformation towards cleaner and more efficient energy.
