The strategic meeting point for the world lithium industry
Taking place at The W Hotel, Santiago on Monday 13 April 2026, the day before CRU's flagship World Copper Conference and in the capital of one of the world's most important lithium-producing nations, this high-impact event unites the global value chain for the two commodities central to the energy transition.
While copper is essential to moving energy in the shift towards electrification, lithium provides the charge. As the global mining and investment community arrives in Santiago for CESCO Week, the leading voices in these two strategic industries will converge for the first time in a landmark week of insights and networking.
Drawing on the authority of CRU and the International Lithium Association (ILiA), the conference will convene C-suite leaders from across the mining and battery sectors, international policymakers, investors, traders, and leading OEMs to shape the agenda for the future of the lithium market.
Registration costs $800 USD and includes access to afternoon workshops on “Chile Energy” and “Power, politics and Latin America mining and minerals”.
Registered attendees of the World Copper Conference with a three day pass receive full access to the World Lithium Conference.
Members of the International Lithium Association should contact [email protected] to claim their free place at the event and further discounted rates.
Exclusive Site Visit:
Novandino Lithium's Salar de Atacama & Antofagasta Lithium Refinery
As an exclusive addition to the 2026 CRU World Lithium Conference programme, we are delighted to invite you to a site visit hosted by Novandino Lithium, the joint venture between two global leaders in the minerals sector: SQM and Codelco.
Taking place the day after the conference sessions on 14 and 15 April, this visit will connect high level discussions on critical minerals, sustainability and the energy transition with on the ground operational reality at one of the most significant lithium production sites globally.
The visit will take a limited group of participants to the Salar de Atacama – recognized for its high-quality lithium brine resources - and to Novandino’s Chemical Plant in Antofagasta, the largest lithium refinery in the world.
Places on the site visit are limited and subject to the approval of Novandino Lithium.
Register now for the World Lithium Conference to claim your palce on this exclusive opportunity.
At the Source: Salar de Atacama
Gain first hand insights into lithium production in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Learn how Novandino’s public private partnership model combines the highest environmental standards and strong community engagement with reduced resource intensity, while enabling production growth.
Innovation in Practice: Salar Futuro
Novandino’s signature innovation initiative for the future of lithium production, designed to ensure long term resource efficiency and reliable lithium supply through the integration of new technologies. Novandino’s selective lithium extraction is built on years of rigorous technological validation, extensive piloting and sustained R&D efforts to enable scalable solutions.
Inside the World’s Largest Lithium Refinery.
Novandino’s state of the art lithium refinery in Antofagasta, where brine is refined into battery grade lithium products. The visit will showcase how operational excellence, circular resource use and continuous innovation are combined in one of the most advanced lithium facilities globally.
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World Lithium Conference 2026
The CRU World Lithium Conference is co-located with the CRU World Copper Conference, uniting the global value chain for the two commodities central to the energy transition. As the global mining and investment community arrives in Santiago for CESCO Week, the leading voices in these two strategic industries will converge for the first time in a landmark week of insights and networking.
Recognised as the world’s foremost copper gathering, this event attracts 500+ attendees from 300+ companies and 40+ countries, including C‑suite leaders, policy makers, financiers, traders, smelters, OEMs, and end‑users. Join us for unmatched access to decision‑makers and the conversations that will shape the strategies for 2026 and beyond!
Interested in sponsorship or exhibiting?
Contact Arzu Gungor
Senior Sales Manager, Communities – Events
T: : +44 (0)20 7903 2085
E: [email protected]