Peru mining executive Roque Benavides has called on the country to turn its geological resources into actual investment during the opening of Expomina Peru 2026.
Benavides, who serves as president of Expomina Peru 2026 and president of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura, spoke during the inauguration of the tenth edition of the international mining gathering. He stated that the country faces a major opportunity driven by expanding global demand for raw minerals.
The mining chief noted that international markets increasingly require mineral production to support key global shifts, including the ongoing energy transition, the expansion of data centres, and the rollout of new technologies, as well as sustaining broader economic growth across many nations.
Benavides highlighted the natural conditions that position Peru to capitalize on this global demand, describing the country as privileged and blessed with abundant natural resources, extensive technical knowledge, and a long standing tradition of mining activity. He added that Peru possesses a vast portfolio of development projects alongside world recognized geological potential.
However, Benavides stressed that the primary challenge facing the nation is creating the necessary conditions to turn that raw geological potential into concrete financial investment. He stated that securing such investment is essential to generating employment, building infrastructure, and creating development opportunities for citizens across Peru.
To achieve this objective, Benavides outlined the requirement for an operating environment that provides greater predictability to international and domestic investors. He called specifically for clear regulatory rules, legal certainty, robust public institutions, and high levels of investment confidence.
Technology adoption and sector modernization
Addressing broader industry trends, Benavides emphasized the structural transformation taking place across the global mining sector and stressed the importance of Peru adapting to these changes. He noted that the domestic industry must continue to innovate to maintain competitiveness.
Benavides stated that Peruvian mining must progressively integrate higher levels of technology, digital systems, and operational efficiency into its everyday activities. However, he emphasized that technological advances must always be accompanied by strict worker safety standards and strong social and environmental responsibility.
He added that the future path of the mining industry cannot rely solely on extracting raw natural resources, but must involve moving toward a more modern sector governed by higher operational standards. Benavides concluded his speech by stating that the industry holds a fundamental responsibility to adopt modern, responsible, and confidential mining practices.
Roque Benavides is one of Peru's most prominent business leaders and has long served as a key figurehead for the South American nation's extraction industries. Compañía de Minas Buenaventura, where he serves as chairman, is a major Peruvian precious metals mining company established in 1953 that operates several gold, silver, and base metal mines across the Peruvian Andes.
Peru is currently the world's second largest producer of copper and a major global exporter of silver, zinc, and gold. The mining industry serves as a foundational pillar of the national economy, accounting for a significant portion of Peru's gross domestic product, export earnings, and tax revenues.
Expomina Peru 2026 exhibition scale
The tenth edition of Expomina Peru brings together industrial companies, mining sector executives, official representatives, and domestic and international delegates. Benavides noted that the conference aims to serve as a vital forum for constructive dialogue and technical exchange regarding the principal challenges facing the industry.
Describing the trade fair as a meaningful contribution to the global mining industry, Benavides highlighted the broad participation at this year's event, which includes industry representatives from various mining regions across Peru as well as participants from international markets.
The 2026 edition of the trade fair features more than 1,250 exhibition stands covering approximately 50,000 square metres of exhibition space. Organizers expect to welcome more than 85,000 attendees over the three days of the gathering.
Benavides noted that the three-day event will enable industry attendees to examine the latest technological trends and discuss key issues that will shape the future of mining. He reiterated that the sector holds a significant growth opportunity as international markets continue to demand higher volumes of minerals.
