The desalination industry in Latin America is experiencing rapid growth, with Chile emerging as the anchor market due to significant investments tied to its copper mining sector. According to Vostock Capital, the organizer of the 8th International Congress Desalination Latin America 2026, more than $20 billion has been committed to desalination projects across the region, with Chile accounting for over $18 billion of that total. The event is scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile, on June 17-18, 2026, and will bring together CEOs from leading businesses in the sector.
Globally, more than 17,000 desalination plants produce approximately 107 million cubic meters of water per day, serving over 300 million people. In Chile, the installed desalination capacity stands at 6,472 liters per second across 11 plants, primarily serving industrial users. The country's copper mining sector has seen a substantial increase in water demand, with seawater now representing more than 30% of total mining water use. This shift underscores the critical role desalination plays in sustaining mining operations amid water scarcity.
Latin America's project pipeline includes over 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 investment momentum is supported by public-sector initiatives and private-sector participation, reflecting a growing recognition of desalination as a key solution for water security.
The 8th International Congress Desalination Latin America 2026 is officially supported by the Ministry of Mining of Chile and sponsored by companies such as LG Chem, Soltex, Mining Company Curacao – MMC, and International Valve. For more information, visit the Vostock Capital newsroom.
