Malaysia Explores Investment, Technology Transfer Opportunities At WMC
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is leveraging its participation in the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026 to explore new investment opportunities, strengthen technology transfer and forge strategic partnerships with global industry players in the development of downstream industries and critical minerals.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) said in a statement today that the initiative is in line with the country's aspiration to strengthen the mineral value chain, enhance industrial competitiveness and support the sustainable development agenda for the mineral sector.
It said Malaysia's participation in WMC 2026, currently being held in Lima, Peru, further reinforces the country's strategic objective of showcasing the potential of its domestic mineral sector as competitive, sustainable and future-oriented, in support of the global energy transition agenda.
The Malaysian delegation is led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and comprised representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak governments, as well as players from the country's mining industry.
Arthur held a bilateral meeting with his Peruvian counterpart, Minister of Energy and Mines Waldir Eloy Ayasta Mechan, to discuss strategic alignment of the mineral ecosystems of both countries.
“The discussions focused on strengthening mineral governance, enhancing cooperation in geoscience research, advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, and developing human capital to support sustainable growth in the mineral industry,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Arthur said the global mineral market now demands a strategic shift that strikes a balance between resource exploration and sustainability responsibilities.
“The bilateral engagement sessions held with our counterparts from Peru reflect an important shift towards building a more resilient and high-integrity mineral supply chain.
“Malaysia and Peru share a common vision of positioning the mineral sector as a key driver of the modern economy, particularly through the adoption of best practices, technological innovation and robust corporate governance.
“Closer industry and institutional cooperation between the two countries will open up new sustainable growth opportunities and generate significant economic impact,” he said.
He said Malaysia's role as Chair of ASEAN mineral cooperation in 2026 also places the country in a strategic position to serve as a key investment gateway for Latin America into the dynamic Southeast Asian market.
“With a market of more than 680 million people, ASEAN offers vast potential for clean energy supply chains, advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable infrastructure,” he said.
In a separate development, the ministry said the ASEAN Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in October, will serve as a key commercial platform bringing together policymakers, global investors and corporate industry leaders.
-- BERNAMA
