Europe and the Netherlands have come to understand that they are subject to strategic vulnerabilities in the mineral supply chains feeding the digital and energy transitions, as well as the health and defense industry. For these ‘critical raw materials’, there is both a vital dependency and a supply risk. The pandemic and the consequent halt to global shipping and distribution has shown Europe the impact of disruption, and the need to diversify its offtake. Copper and lithium are on the list as ‘critical’ and ‘strategic’ raw materials, and Chile is a global powerhouse when it comes to the production of these minerals. 

If the Netherlands can contribute by leveraging our knowledge and technology on water management in order to make these supply chains more resilient, we are happy to contribute. We have seen in Panama with the closing of the First Quantum copper mine how important the license to operate is for the mining sector, and how important water is in the acceptance and sustainability of a mining operation. Therefore, offering Dutch expertise and solutions to be able to lower the water footprint and have less of an impact on both the natural and human environment is a logical and significant step.
 

The Water Congress has proven to be a great platform and the participating companies and water institutions are very enthusiastic. The congress visitors are not only technical (knowing exactly what they are looking for), but also of decision-making level and with a strong focus on water and sustainability in mining. In other words: right in the target group of the Dutch technology and knowledge providers.

During the opening ceremony, deputy ambassador René Borghouts stressed why water is becoming even more important in mining than it already is, why the Netherlands is interested in supporting the mining industry, and what we think are important elements to take into consideration when talking about water management in Chile; for example, looking at increased reuse of water and including all stakeholders in the process.

This is a first step of presenting Dutch knowledge, expertise, services, and products to the Chilean mining industry and as this turns out to be successful, we will surely look for ways we can repeat and hopefully expand our participation in the Water Congress in 2026.