The 8th International Congress "Desalination Latin America 2026" will convene industry leaders in Santiago, Chile, on June 17-18, 2026, as the region experiences unprecedented growth in water technology investment. More than $20 billion has been committed to desalination projects across Latin America, with Chile representing the core of regional investment at over $18 billion. This surge is largely driven by copper mining demand, which has transformed Chile's water mix with seawater now representing more than 30% of total mining water use.
Chile currently operates 11 desalination plants with a combined capacity of 6,472 liters per second, primarily serving industrial users. The country's dominance in regional investment reflects the mining sector's critical water requirements and positions Chile as a testing ground for large-scale desalination implementation. More information about the upcoming industry gathering is available through the official website where organizers share updates about the congress and regional developments.
Globally, desalination has become increasingly significant with more than 17,000 plants worldwide producing around 107 million cubic meters per day, supplying water to over 300 million people. Latin America's rapid adoption mirrors this global trend while addressing region-specific challenges. The regional project pipeline includes more than 25 desalination projects under development, led by Chile and Peru, with Peru actively promoting six new seawater desalination plants to expand access to drinking water.
For business and technology leaders, Chile's experience demonstrates how industrial demand can drive technological adoption and infrastructure investment at scale. The mining sector's transformation toward seawater usage illustrates how resource-intensive industries can adapt to water scarcity while maintaining production. This shift has implications for similar mining regions worldwide facing water constraints, potentially creating export opportunities for Latin American desalination expertise and technology providers.
The congress in Santiago will provide a platform for CEOs of leading businesses in the region's desalination sector to discuss these developments and future opportunities. With Latin America's commitment exceeding $20 billion and Chile's established infrastructure serving as a model, the region is positioned to influence global desalination practices, particularly for industrial applications in water-stressed environments.
