June 30, 2026, Lima, Peru – Knight Piésold Peru presented an approach to rethinking the true potential of mining legacies at the 27th World Mining Congress (WMC 2026), held June 24–26 in Lima, Peru. Elio Murrugarra, Engineering Project Manager, and Freddy Briones, Civil Engineer, represented the company at one of the mining industry’s leading conferences in the world.

WMC 2026, hosted by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP, by its initials in Spanish), brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and investors to redefine how the mining industry delivers the minerals society urgently needs—faster, smarter, and more responsibly.  

Murrugarra presented the paper “From Liability to Asset: A Sustainable Approach for Mine Tailings Remediation in Peru,” during the Mining Circularity session. The paper, co-authored by Briones, provides an innovative perspective on one of the most significant challenges facing modern mining: the management of mining liabilities.

Traditionally viewed as an economic and environmental burden, mining liabilities can become opportunities when assessed through an integrated approach that combines technical, environmental, social, and economic criteria.

The paper proposes that moving from a mitigation-focused approach to one centered on value creation requires going beyond regulatory compliance. Through proper material characterization, the identification of remaining resources, land reclamation, and the application of circular economy principles, certain mining liabilities can be transformed into assets capable of generating sustainable benefits for companies, communities, and the environment.

The discussion at WMC 2026 demonstrated that this vision is closely aligned with the mining industry's transition toward more responsible and sustainable operating models. At a time when ESG principles, mine closure, and resource optimization are becoming increasingly important, the concept of moving “from liability to asset” represents a paradigm shift that encourages the industry to rethink the true potential of mining legacies.

With Peru recognized at WMC 2026 as a key global producer of minerals essential to the energy transition, Knight Piésold Peru remains dedicated to supporting mining clients across Peru and South America. From tailings and mine waste management to mine closure and reclamation, the company is well-positioned to serve as a strategic partner for clients seeking to transform mining liabilities to sustainable assets while creating lasting value for industry, communities, and the environment.