• The Minsur representative pointed out that metals such as copper are now required to counteract climate change.

During his participation in Rumbo a PERUMIN, Minsur's Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Gonzalo Quijandría, said that there has been a clear change in the environmental discourse on the development of extractive activities, such as mining, in recent years.

He stated that the discussion today is focused on how to share rents and not on stopping investment in mining, which is related to the need to promote extractive activities in order to face challenges such as climate change at a global level.

"Saying no more copper concentrate production is not in line with the environmental discourse because it is needed for the energy transition and they know it, that's why they have had to change their discourse and take off their masks. Today, the discourse is more direct," he said.

On the other hand, he pointed out that the Peruvian State must adopt a more effective strategy against those who oppose the development of mining in the country, especially the extortionists, who are the only ones who benefit from seeing conflicts as a profitable business.

"This is something we must put on the table, to take decisive action, both from the State and from the communities, who are the first to be affected when extortionists appear, since they do not receive anything in favor," he said.

According to his analysis, the criminal element must be taken into account, and the State must participate in the prosecution of crime, since one of the objectives of extortionists and other actors is to multiply conflicts in different regions.

"We have to identify what the next big investment is and determine where these extortionist groups are going around and try to take decisive action by the State, because otherwise the only thing they will do is delay investments and the fair expectations of communities to participate in the benefits of investment," he added.

Finally, the Minsur representative considers that the Ombudsman's Office has an enormous opportunity for improvement in addressing the conflict by optimizing its methodology, mobilizing to the impact zone, participating in dialogue and being present in complex and/or problematic situations.

"Figures showing the volume of social conflicts should generate the mobilization of state resources. If there are 221 conflicts, the State must multiply itself to be able to handle them. It should leave its office in Azángaro and go to the region," he concluded.