The growing demand for minerals driven by the global energy and technological transition requires a profound shift in the way the mining industry develops projects and drives innovation. This was the message delivered by Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), during his keynote address at the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026.
“Doing more of the same will not be enough. If we expect to meet future demand simply by scaling today’s model, we will not deliver the minerals the world requires,” he said.
Dhawan explained that the industry faces significant gaps in financing, knowledge, project development, and production capacity, while demand for minerals continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.
In this context, he argued that mining must move beyond traditional approaches and embrace a more open and collaborative model of innovation capable of accelerating solutions to shared challenges.
He also highlighted that new technologies, better resource management, and innovative approaches to challenges such as mine tailings management will be essential to improving productivity and meeting society’s future needs.
The ICMM President further emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between the mining industry and its stakeholders by promoting dialogue, trust, and a shared vision for the sector’s future.
Finally, he called for the adoption of globally recognized responsible mining standards to provide a common framework for the industry.
“We need to build a shared framework that strengthens trust and demonstrates that responsible mining is the right path to meeting the world’s needs,” he concluded.