• The CEO of WIM Peru will participate as moderator of the Diversity and Inclusion segment of the Mining Summit, an event that is part of PERUMIN 36.

During this edition of PERUMIN, the leading Mining Convention in Latin America and the world, there will be an interesting segment dedicated to diversity and inclusion as part of the Mining Summit. We talked about it with Karina Zevallos, CEO of WIM Peru, who told us about the most important developments in this area, the expectations regarding female participation in the mining sector, and details about a new study to be presented at PERUMIN 36 this upcoming September.

PERUMIN will dedicate a segment to diversity and inclusion for the second consecutive year, this time as part of the Mining Summit. Why is it important to include this topic in the agenda?

It is very positive that this year we have moved up to have a segment within the Mining Summit. The previous edition saw the first-ever summit focused on diversity and inclusion in the history of PERUMIN, and it was well-received. We see this as an evolution in Peru's most important and world-leading Mining Convention. In this edition, we will reach decision-makers by discussing progress and concrete actions to improve the situation of women in the mining sector.

Has there been any progress or new strategic alliances regarding this issue since PERUMIN 35 in 2022?

Indeed, during PERUMIN 35, WIM Peru presented the study 'Women and the Mining of the Future,' which was the first diagnosis of the status of women in the mining industry in Peru, focusing on medium and large-scale mining. This publication, achieved through collaboration between UNDP and WIM Peru, marked a milestone as the first study that used official data and primary sources to understand women's participation in mining. We shared this study with both the public and private sectors, and today it stands as one of the primary documents for review and action.

Additionally, the Diversity and Inclusion Summit 2022 allowed us to emphasize the importance of working together to close gaps and strengthen collaboration with mining companies and suppliers.

How would you describe the current situation of female participation in the mining sector?

According to the study 'Women and the Mining of the Future,' women hold an average of 11% of managerial positions, 22% of administrative roles, 5% of general operations, and 4% of plant personnel in the mining industry in Peru.

These figures pose a challenge to continue working on concrete activities to accelerate women's participation in the sector. As more companies in the mining ecosystem adopt diversity, inclusion, and equity policies, we expect to see an increase in the number of women in the mining industry.

The growing presence of women in the industry serves as a strong role model for young women interested in the sector. This can encourage more women to pursue careers in mining, which, in turn, can lead to deeper cultural and structural change.

On the other hand, specifically for suppliers, the percentage of female participation is only 4%. One concrete measure that supplier companies can adopt is the implementation of inclusive procurement policies, promoting gender equity and diversity within their internal structures. Encouraging the participation of women entrepreneurs and professionals will foster greater representation and visibility throughout the mining industry, contributing to building a more diverse sector that benefits the entire mining community.

How long is it projected to take for the percentage of female participation to increase?

Currently, we are progressing at a slow pace, and I believe it is important to address this situation to achieve our goals more effectively. Our goal is to reach double-digit figures by the year 2030.

What aspects of diversity and inclusion will be addressed this year, and who are the invited guests or speakers?

In 2023, our goal is to showcase best practices and successful developments in this field. To achieve this, we have invited prominent figures from the mining business, suppliers, international cooperation agencies, and mining-energy sector associations.

Will there be any studies presented on the topic this year?

Indeed, we will have a brand-new study from the IDB regarding the identification of gender equity gaps and opportunities in the Peruvian mining-energy sector. This study, conducted through INSUCO with the support of institutions like WIM Peru, will identify, among other things, the best practices being implemented in the sector. It will be a significant contribution to continue moving in the right direction.

Are there any other innovations regarding diversity and inclusion at PERUMIN this year?

Certainly. We will have a very rich agenda in this edition. The main novelty is our participation in the Mining Summit, where we will share our proposals and progress. We will also have a stand where both women and men guests can learn more about our work and initiatives.

Furthermore, there will be a student segment with the participation of students from all our regions, and another segment with professionals alongside our hosts from the southern branch of WIM Peru. During these events, we will be accompanied by industry representatives.