Uriel Ccama Rodríguez is the Protagonist of Mining of the month of June, and thus has won a spot to compete in the annual contest Protagonistas de la Onza de Oro (Protagonists of the Ounce of Gold) and the first free ticket to EXTEMIN, the technological and mining exhibition fair to take place as part of PERUMIN 35.

Uriel is a graduate in geological engineering and a participant graduated from the XIII edition of the Mentoring program of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP). The winning video he made addresses the binomial Mining and Social Conflicts. You can find it at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quMonUUl_Ko

Below we will learn more about the Protagonist of Mining of the month of June and the first winner of a ticket to EXTEMIN.

1. How did you find out about the Onza de Plata (Ounce of Silver) contest and decide to participate?

I found out about the contest through the platforms of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP). I also had the initiative while participating in the XIII edition of the IIMP’s Mentoring program.

I decided to take part in the contest because I think that currently it is really necessary to address the issue of mining conflicts in our country, and this is an excellent opportunity to learn from the present situation and share a brief analysis on the subject.

It is worth noting that this was a challenge I took up as part of the XIII Mentoring Program of the IIMP, in which I was fortunate to have the support of my mentor Alexandra Choque Quispe, who was a guide, a mentor, and a tutor to me in my personal and professional development. In addition, I would like to thank Dagne Pineda, Twani Ortiz, and Patricia Vizcarra, who are excellent references when it comes to social matters, for their support and collaboration.

      2. Tell us about your academic background and your current job.

My academic education in mining started at a very early age. I have always been interested in this field, and even more so in the field of geological explorations applied to this activity; that is why I decided to study geological engineering.

Now I am a graduate in geological engineering from Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC). I was in the top fifth of my class. Apart from participating in different study groups, I work as an assistant greenfield exploration geologist at Anglo Peruana Terra S.A.

        3. What motivated you to select the Mining – Social Conflicts binomial for your video?

The reason that I chose this topic was to try to inform and give an opinion about the increasing number of social conflicts related to mining.

Going through the reports of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) and the Ombudsman’s office over these past months, I noticed a significant increase in the number of conflicts, which can also be observed with the halting of several mining operations. All these circumstances have resulted in economic losses to the Peruvian State at all levels and send bad signals to mining investment.

That is why I decided to voice my opinion about it. Although it is a very broad topic and there is a wide range of opinions about it, what is important is to dialogue to find an effective and efficient solution for everybody’s sake.

         4. Would you say that social conflicts are one of the biggest challenges of the Peruvian mining sector? Why?

Yes, the solution to social conflicts has always been, and continues to be, one of the biggest challenges of the Peruvian mining sector.

Let us remember that these conflicts are not recent, but have been dragging on for a long time, mainly due to the absence of the State and the population’s demands for their basic needs to be met.

I believe that this situation does not need to get worse and for that reason we need a sincere dialogue among all parties (the population, the company, and the State). It is also necessary to do damage control and, maybe, return to the point where it all started and, from there, rebuild trust, since, if trust is not restored, it will not be of much use to be legally or economically right. We might need a new approach or a reengineering for the resolution of these conflicts.

            5. Your video begins with a greeting in Quechua. Do you consider it important to integrate native languages into communication? Why?

Yes, it is very important to integrate the different native languages, like Quechua, into communication, as they represent a collective identity and a different way of conceiving and describing our reality.

In many places where mining activities are carried out, or will be carried out, these languages predominate. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to integrate them in our communication, so that they can help to have a better understanding among the different parties, to reach agreements in an optimal way, and to maintain a good transmission of transparent and truthful information.

          6. What do you think about the Onza de Plata contest? Would you recommend participating in it?

In my opinion, the weekly contest Onza de Plata, as well as the Onza de Oro, is a great opportunity to disseminate knowledge related to the mining industry.

I believe that young students and graduates should not limit themselves to academic topics but should also be aware of what happens in the national and international reality of the sector; therefore, I recommend participating in this contest, since it is a great opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

I would like to invite all mining enthusiasts to participate in this contest with themes related to Mining Thursdays or with binomials between mining and some other aspect. Let us motivate more young people so that they can learn about the benefits of the mining industry!

            7. Now you have won a ticket to EXTEMIN, the technological and mining exhibition. What are your expectations for this event?

I feel very happy and motivated to be the winner of a ticket to the great technological and mining exhibition fair – EXTEMIN, which will be held in one of the most recognized mining events in the region, PERUMIN 35.

I have great expectations regarding this event, as this time Australia is an allied country, and several other countries like Germany, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, and many more, will participate.

I am sure that it will be a wonderful opportunity for me and for all young people who want to broaden their knowledge and experience on technological advances applied to the mining sector.

I thank the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers, my mentor Alexandra Choque, and all the public who gave me their support.

About the contest

To take part in the weekly contest for the Onza de Plata and the annual competition Protagonistas de la Onza de Oro, you must share a video essay on your social networks about the Mining Thursday or Mining Binomial of your choice.

All videos must use in the description the hashtags: #ProtagonistasDeLaMineria, #OnzaDePlata, and #OnzaDeOro, as well as tag the IIMP’s official account. The material should be 2 minutes and 20 seconds maximum, preferably.

Students and graduates from various professional fields, as well as the general public of all ages, are eligible to participate.

We remind you that the winners of Protagonistas for July and August will also win a free ticket to EXTEMIN.