Leoncio Huayllani Taype, governor-elect of Huancavelica, announced the implementation of a sustainable agenda to develop a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and mining during his administration, between 2023 and 2026.

The announcement was made within the framework of the program of conferences Rumbo a PERUMIN – Central Peru Edition, organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), to be held virtually until November 17.

Huayllani Taype stressed that he seeks to consolidate the bases of sustainable development in Huancavelica through an agricultural government with productive diversification. To do so, he will promote the implementation of industrial parks, as well as the development of tourist corridors.

“241,777 men and women of different ages from Huancavelica live in the countryside. The agricultural and livestock activity employs 74% of the regional economically active population, according to INEI 2020,” said the governor-elect.

He also pointed out that Huancavelica is historically known as a mining region, where mines such as the Santa Barbara Mine, one of the most important mercury mines in these lands during colonial times, were developed.

He commented that they have prepared a sustainable agenda for mining in this region, with polymetallics (silver, gold, lead, zinc, cadmium, and copper) as its main potential. Currently, this region has interesting exploration projects, such as Pukaqaqa, and ongoing operations, such as Julcani.

Huayllani Taype said that there is also a favorable metal demand worldwide, especially for copper towards 2030, due to electromobility, energy transition, and infrastructure plans in China.

Strategic Actions

Huayllani Taype said that they will carry out four strategic actions to implement this agenda. The first will be the modernization of the Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines through capacity building of its workers, improvement of its equipment, and the hiring of specialized personnel.

The other three actions will be the strengthening of governance among stakeholders, productive and entrepreneurial promotion and innovation, and the development of the regional mining supply chain.

"In Huancavelica, we have a Senati branch, 19 technological institutes and 2 public universities. The idea is to be able to articulate mining companies, academia, and also the government," he said, to which he added the promotion of efficient rural and urban businesses to provide services.

Ordinance

Huayllani Taype announced the organization of a technical hydro-energy and mining roundtable, which will help them promote agriculture, livestock, and tourism. For this purpose, he said they will identify economic corridors. They also have the mission to enhance the value of the second stage of the Macho Train and articulate it with the economic corridor connected with the port of San Martin, in Pisco.

Finally, he announced that he will implement the social policy "zero mining-energy conflicts" and that as of January 1, 2023, he will declare mining exploration operations and projects to be of regional public interest by way of a regional ordinance.