Chile has emerged as the anchor market for desalination in Latin America, with over $18 billion committed to projects primarily driven by the copper mining sector's water demands. This investment is part of a broader regional surge that has seen more than $20 billion committed to desalination across Latin America, according to industry facts released by Vostock Capital, organizer of the upcoming 8th International Congress "Desalination Latin America 2026" scheduled for June 17-18, 2026, in Santiago, Chile.
The event, now open for registration, will bring together CEOs from leading businesses in the region's desalination sector. The congress underscores the accelerating deployment of desalination technology in Latin America, where more than 25 new projects are under development, led by Chile and Peru. Peru, in particular, is actively promoting six new seawater desalination plants to expand access to drinking water.
Globally, desalination has become a vital water source, with over 17,000 plants worldwide producing around 107 million cubic meters per day, supplying water to more than 300 million people. In Chile, the installed desalination capacity 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 seen a significant increase in water demand, with seawater now representing more than 30% of total mining water use, reflecting a transformative shift in the water mix.
The Ministry of Mining from Chile has officially supported the congress, highlighting the government's recognition of desalination's importance. The event will feature bronce sponsors including LG Chem, Soltex, Mining Company Curacao – MMC, and International Valve. For more information, visit the official congress website at https://tinyurl.com/vostocknewsroom.
As Latin America continues to grapple with water scarcity, the desalination industry's rapid expansion signals a long-term commitment to sustainable water solutions. The upcoming congress in Santiago will serve as a key platform for industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities, reinforcing Chile's central role in the regional desalination landscape.
