Latin America is experiencing rapid growth in desalination investment, with more than $20 billion committed to projects across the region, according to industry data. Chile represents the core of this regional investment, accounting for over $18 billion of the total, largely driven by the water demands of its copper mining sector. The country currently operates 11 desalination plants with a combined capacity of 6,472 liters per second, primarily serving industrial users.
The significant investment reflects a broader transformation in water sourcing, particularly for mining. Water demand from Chile's copper mining sector has increased substantially, and seawater now represents more than 30% of total mining water use. This shift underscores the industry's response to water scarcity and the need for sustainable resource management. The regional project pipeline remains robust, with Latin America having 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, indicating a growing public-sector push for the technology beyond industrial applications. Globally, desalination's impact is significant, with more than 17,000 plants worldwide producing around 107 million cubic meters per day, supplying water to over 300 million people. The Latin American momentum will be a central topic at the upcoming 8th International Congress "Desalination Latin America 2026", scheduled for June 17-18, 2026, in Santiago, Chile.
The congress, organized by Vostock Capital, will bring together CEOs from leading businesses in the region's desalination sector. The event has official support from Chile's Ministry of Mining, highlighting the critical link between national resource policy and technological adoption. The growth in desalination capacity is crucial for supporting key economic sectors like mining while addressing broader water security challenges, making strategic investment and international collaboration essential for the region's sustainable development.
