At the Future Minerals Forum (FMF)—one of the world’s most influential global platforms shaping the future of the mining industry—Dr Doris Hiam-Gálvez, PhD, FCAE, Program Chair of the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026, participated in the high-profile Great Debate titled “What happened to the nation builders?”. During the session, she delivered a compelling perspective on how mining can and must contribute meaningfully to national development.
From Short-Term Extraction to Long-Term Prosperity
In her remarks, Hiam-Gálvez underlined that society will ultimately judge mining by the future it enables. She stressed that for mining to reclaim its role as a nation builder, the industry must shift decisively away from short-term gains and toward long-term, sustainable prosperity.
Moreover, she highlighted that this transition requires a fundamental change in mindset—one that prioritises lasting value creation over temporary economic returns.
Creating Value Without Dependency
Expanding on this vision, the WMC 2026 Program Chair explained that when mining evolves beyond simple resource extraction and delivers genuine contributions to host communities, it generates measurable positive outcomes. As a result, trust deepens, investor confidence grows, and nations experience broader and more resilient development. Importantly, she emphasised that mining should support growth without fostering dependency, ensuring that regions remain economically viable long after mining operations conclude.
Mining as an Enabler of Sustainable Development
In this context, Hiam-Gálvez asserted that mining can—and must—be part of the solution for the future. By acting as an enabler of development, the industry can help communities and regions continue to prosper well beyond the life of a mine.
World Mining Congress 2026 Reinforces the Global Challenge
Her participation at the Future Minerals Forum further reinforces the central challenge put forward by the World Mining Congress 2026. As per the press release, scheduled to take place in Peru from June 24 to 26, the global event will bring together government authorities, industry leaders, and policymakers to collectively shape the future of mining worldwide.
