At the Future Minerals Forum, International Copper Association CEO Juan Ignacio Diaz joined global leaders for the panel discussion, "Let us be known by our deeds: How to scale up transparency and responsible mineral supply?"
The session brought together experts from across the minerals and metals value chain, including representatives from the London Metal Exchange, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Global Battery Alliance, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to discuss the future of responsible mineral production and supply chain transparency.
During the discussion, Diaz emphasized that the question is no longer whether copper will be needed, but how the industry can scale production responsibly to meet rapidly growing global demand. He highlighted the significant transformation of the copper sector over recent decades, with advances in technology, environmental stewardship, renewable energy integration, water management, and community engagement.
Diaz also noted that ICA members continue to invest heavily in sustainability initiatives and lower-emissions operations, responding to increasing expectations from investors, manufacturers, OEMs, and end users for responsibly produced and circular materials.
Copper remains essential to electrification, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure. Its durability and recyclability make it one of the world's most sustainable materials, with much of the copper ever produced still in use today.
"The copper industry is not only extractive — it is transformative," Diaz said during the session. "Copper is fundamental to building a more sustainable and electrified future."