Chile has emerged as the anchor market for desalination in Latin America, with over $18 billion committed to projects in the country, according to industry data released ahead of the 8th International Congress Desalination Latin America 2026. The event, scheduled for June 17-18, 2026, in Santiago, will gather CEOs and key stakeholders as the region accelerates its deployment of desalination technology.
Globally, more than 17,000 desalination plants produce approximately 107 million cubic meters of water per day, serving over 300 million people. Latin America has committed over $20 billion to desalination projects, reflecting a surge in investment. Chile accounts for the vast majority of this, driven largely by demand from the copper mining sector, which has seen water needs increase significantly. Seawater now represents more than 30% of total water use in Chilean mining operations.
The country operates 11 desalination plants with a combined capacity of 6,472 liters per second, primarily serving industrial users. The Ministry of Mining from Chile is official support for the congress, underscoring the sector's strategic importance.
Beyond Chile, Latin America has more than 25 desalination projects under development, led by Chile and Peru. Peru is actively promoting six new seawater desalination plants to expand access to drinking water. The region's project pipeline signals strong future expansion, with public-sector initiatives driving growth.
The congress, organized by Vostock Capital, will feature discussions on investment, technology, and project development. Sponsors include LG Chem, Soltex, Mining Company Curacao – MMC, and International Valve. For more information, visit the official website at Vostock Capital newsroom.
Catalina Velasco, Marketing Manager Latin America, can be contacted at CVelasco@vostockcapital.com for further details on the event. The congress highlights the critical role of desalination in addressing water scarcity in mining and urban areas across the region.
