Against this backdrop, Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, set to convene policymakers, financiers, energy developers and mining stakeholders for its inaugural edition in Paramaribo, will host a panel on “Examining the Growing Nexus between Mining and Energy Security.” The session will explore how mineral resources, energy production and infrastructure development reinforce one another and how Caribbean nations can leverage this nexus to advance economic resilience and sustainable growth.

Traditionally, Caribbean energy discussions have centered on hydrocarbons, electricity supply and, more recently, renewables. But the minerals that support energy systems – whether through revenues that fund national budgets or through the power infrastructure required for mine operations – are becoming increasingly strategic. In Suriname, where gold accounts for nearly 80% of total exports, expanded mining output strengthens foreign exchange reserves, supports fiscal stability and enables the country to channel more investment into energy infrastructure.

Mining also contributes directly to energy security in practical ways. Mineral revenues can finance new generation projects, reducing reliance on imported fuels and easing exposure to global price volatility. At the same time, mining operations require stable and often substantial power supplies, which drive investment in modern, reliable generation that benefits surrounding communities and industrial users. In Guyana, for example, Wärtsilä is supplying equipment for a 56MW power plant dedicated to the Oko West Gold Project – a critical asset for ensuring consistent operations in a remote region.

CEW 2026 will examine these intersections, with panelists exploring how mining can underpin national and regional energy strategies. Government officials, financiers and private-sector leaders will discuss policies, regulations and investment frameworks that encourage alignment between the two sectors. Case studies from Suriname and Guyana will illustrate how integrated planning attracts capital, optimizes resource development and supports broader sustainable development goals. By linking mineral extraction with energy system needs, countries can accelerate infrastructure rollout, reduce dependence on imported fuels and create a virtuous cycle in which mining and energy reinforce one another.

Across the Caribbean and northern South America, efforts to develop mineral reserves are converging with urgent calls for more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems. Aligning mining and energy policies allows countries to address infrastructure gaps while ensuring that resource extraction translates into tangible economic and social benefits. CEW 2026 will provide a key platform for advancing this dialogue, fostering collaboration between two sectors that have traditionally operated separately, and highlighting new opportunities where investment, technology and regulation meet.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.