In anticipation of the Message to the Nation commemorating Independence Day, the President of PERUMIN 36, Miguel Cardozo, reflects upon the challenges our country is facing in developing a mining industry that is sustainable and benefits not only the sector, but the entire country. He highlights the global energy transition context, which has a positive impact of the demand for minerals and their price.

“What needs to occur for mining to operate in a sustainable, continuous way and companies to come and invest in Peru? We need to offer certainty, from a political point of view, in the management of the mining sector. We also need to raise awareness of the benefits of mining among the population residing in the 18 regions where mining operates,” pointed out Cardozo in an interview with RPP Noticias.

He added that an interesting proposal for developing the mining industry in partnership with Canada, the partner country of this edition of the PERUMIN 36 Mining Convention to be held from September 25 to 29 in Arequipa will be analyzed.

“The have an organization called Natural Resources Canada, which is in charge of promoting mining growth, as it contributes to economic growth. This organization ensures that projects are implemented on schedule, fast, and well,” claimed Cardozo. He also underscored the efforts Canada has made to overcome certain obstacles encountered in Peru, such as “overregulation” or “permitting”.

In this sense, he noted that this would be a request from the mining sector to any administration in power and that it would also benefit the population, adding that the mining industry is willing to support the orderly, decentralized, technically sound development of the regions, thereby benefiting those who truly need it.

“For us, the most important thing is for mining to benefit not only the companies but also the country. This is fundamental. Sustainability consists precisely in mining carrying out all tasks related to mineral extraction in the best way possible, adhering to the highest environmental standards, and with social responsibility toward all the communities residing in the surrounding areas,” said the President of PERUMIN 36.

On the other hand, Miguel Cardozo talked about the importance of mining exploration for mining sustainability in Peru, considering that currently there are no new large-scale mining projects like Quellaveco in Moquegua in the making for the coming years.

“Exploration does not cause any kind of contamination. We need to accelerate permits because we are progressively running out of reserves; and if we do not replace them, we will not have mining in the future,” explained the President of PERUMIN 36.

He also explained that the global average time to find a new mineral deposit is twelve years, and that out 1,000 mining prospects, only 100 involve drilling operations, with just one of those turning into a mine. Exploration is, therefore, a risky activity that demands significant investment, much of which is ultimately lost. This is why we need to foster or accelerate its extensive development to achieve positive outcomes for the country.