Claudio Cáceres, vice president of sustainability and corporate affairs at Minera Las Bambas emphasized that transparency, trust, and coordination with the government are key to harmonious coexistence with communities.

Social management in mining cannot be limited to the construction and operation stages of a project; it must begin even before exploration and remain active until mine closure, said Claudio Cáceres, vice president of sustainability and corporate affairs at Minera Las Bambas during Mining Thursday, an event that is part of the “Rumbo a PERUMIN" series of conferences organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP).

Cáceres highlighted that the stability and success of a mining project largely depend on a solid and transparent relationship with local communities.

“Coexistence with the population is key to any mining operation. Without a bond of trust, the development of a project can face constant challenges and delays. That’s why social management must anticipate conflicts and remain in place throughout the entire mine’s lifecycle,” he said.

Cáceres also noted that the social dynamics of communities can disrupt dialogue, making it essential to understand their timelines and internal processes.

“Rural communities often renew their leadership every two years, which can disrupt the dialogue process until the new authorities are formally recognized. Additionally, festivities such as February carnivals or harvest seasons can pause ongoing discussions. Respecting and adapting to these moments is essential for achieving sustainable agreements,” he explained.

A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Development

According to Cáceres, effective social management must be built on three fundamental pillars:

        1.    Understanding the needs of the community at a very early stage and establishing a joint development plan that aligns with their expectations and priorities.

        2.    Promoting multi-stakeholder coordination, as sustainable development is not the sole responsibility of the mining company. “The presence of the government is crucial. Companies need to work hand in hand with the authorities to ensure long-term solutions,” he stressed.

        3.    Building trust through transparency. Open and honest communication with all social stakeholders is essential to prevent conflicts and strengthen relationships.

Finally, the vice president of Las Bambas called on the entire industry to embrace social management as a collective responsibility.

“It is not the sole responsibility of the social management department. It must be a commitment shared across the organization, from top management to every employee in the field. Only then can we ensure sustainable projects and mutual benefits for the industry and the communities,” he concluded.