2026 OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities

8:00-8:30 Welcome coffee

8:30-8:40 Welcome remarks

8:40 - 9:40 Responsible mining as a competitive advantage: the role of mining regions in a changing geopolitical landscape

This opening session will explore what it takes to translate high environmental and social standards into a competitive advantage for Chile’s mining sector, and how subnational governments and local stakeholders can contribute to this objective.

Pillar 2: The role of the private sector and responsible mining standards in local development

09:40–09:55 Keynote speaker

09:55–10:10 Coffee

10:10–11:20 Panel 4: The local effects of responsible mining standards

This session will explore the role of responsible mining standards in supporting local development, including how these standards are used in public policies, how they are understood by local communities, and the opportunities they create for community participation and engagement in mining-related decision-making.

11:20–12:20 Panel 5: The role of mining companies in local development

This panel will present the perspectives of different mining companies in Antofagasta on the progress of the regional mining strategy and on the priorities that remain relevant to ensure that mining contributes to local development, while also enabling the region to improve the competitiveness of the economy and mining projects in an increasingly complex global environment.

12:20–14:00 Lunch

14:00–15:00 Conversation: Integrating local businesses and entrepreneurs in mining value chains

This panel will share experiences and strategies to link local businesses and entrepreneurs in mining value chains, identifying the factors to improve competitiveness and scale up.

15:00–16:20 Parallel sessions: Public–private partnerships and community agreements for improved social outcomes

Parallel 6A: Public–private partnership to improve access to water and health in host communities

This session will discuss examples of agreements and coordination between companies, local governments and communities to improve healthcare and water supply, with a focus on sustaining these projects over time and strengthening local capacity for long-term delivery.

Parallel 6B: Public–private partnership to improve access to housing and recreation in host communities

This session will examine examples of agreements and coordination between companies, local governments and communities to support housing and recreational infrastructure (parks, sports facilities), with a focus on sustaining these investments over time.

16:20–16:40 Coffee

16:40–17:00 Takeaways of the sessions

Selected speakers and participants will discuss the main actions and solutions proposed during the day, including key takeaways from the parallel sessions.

17:00–17:20 Closing remarks

14:00-18:00 Field trip

• CODELCO – Chuquicamata mine and Northern Operations
  Explore one of the world’s most iconic mining operations of copper and gain insights into CODELCO’s northern operations.
• BHP – Coloso Port and Community Engagement in Antofagasta
  Visit BHP’s Coloso Port facilities and learn about initiatives to strengthen local development in neighbouring communities.
• Antofagasta Minerals – Nueva Centinela mine and Community Development in Sierra Gorda
  Discover the expansion project of  Centinela mine, one of the current largest mining investments in Chile, alongside a visit to the Sierra Gorda Cultural Community Centre.
• NovaAndino – Lithium operation in San Pedro de Atacama
  Visit one of the largest lithium brine operations in the world in San Pedro de Atacama, along with the chemical facilities to explore how lithium process is evolving through automation, gender inclusion and increased participation of women in the workforce.