Amid the urgent global race to secure critical minerals for the energy transition, the British Geological Survey (BGS) is drawing renewed attention to South America’s exceptional geological potential. The region holds rare geological conditions that can support rising global demand for lithium, copper, rare earths, and other essential minerals needed for clean energy systems.
BGS Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance
Jonathan Ford, Director of National Geoscience at the BGS, and Karen Hanghøj, BGS Executive Director and member of the Organizing Committee for the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026, presented this analysis in a recent column for Global Mining Review.
They note that South America’s geological diversity—from the Pacific margin and the Andes to the ancient cratonic shields in the east—creates one of the richest mineral landscapes on the planet. This diversity has already produced world-class deposits and gives the region a decisive role in the global energy future.
Rising Demand Makes South America Central to Supply Security
With demand for critical minerals surging due to the expansion of clean technologies, electric mobility, and digital economies, the BGS stresses the need to carefully assess South America’s supply capabilities. According to Ford and Hanghøj, the continent is well positioned to support a sustainable and secure supply of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs).
Lithium Triangle Emerges as a Global Powerhouse
One of the strongest examples of this potential is the Lithium Triangle, which holds around half of the world’s lithium resources. Its vast ‘salar’ deposits, located in some of the most extreme Andean environments, both challenge and underline the strategic value of responsible extraction. As the authors note, the region’s geopolitical significance continues to grow.
A Leading Supplier of Copper, Niobium, and Emerging Discoveries
South America remains the world’s largest supplier of niobium and a dominant producer of copper. The region also hosts major reserves of molybdenum, silver, tin, iron, and bauxite.
Moreover, its dynamic geology continues to generate new discoveries. The Vicuña mining district, for instance, is considered the largest greenfield copper discovery of the past 30 years.
High-Quality Geological Data Is Key to Unlocking Potential
According to the BGS, the successful development of these resources depends on accessible, high-quality geological information. They emphasize that timely discovery, responsible development, and effective resource management are essential to attracting and de-risking investment in the mineral sector.
International Cooperation Will Shape Sustainable Supply Chains
Because mineral supply chains operate globally, the BGS underscores that international cooperation is the only way to set shared standards for sustainability. This includes strengthening governance, transparency, accountability, and regional value addition.
Looking Ahead to WMC 2026 in Lima
Karen Hanghøj’s role on the Organizing Committee for WMC 2026 in Lima connects these insights directly to upcoming global mining discussions. The Congress will focus on how to responsibly increase mineral production to meet the world’s energy-transition needs.
Partnerships Will Drive Responsible Mineral Development
As per the press release, Ford and Hanghøj stress that partnerships between governments, industry, and civil society will be vital. These collaborations help share good practices and build resilient, responsible mineral supply chains—a core theme of the 2026 Congress, which aims to promote more innovative, sustainable, and future-ready mining.
