On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the IIMP called for continued efforts to strengthen gender equity in the mining industry and to work towards making it a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable sector.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP) and the Organizing Committee of PERUMIN 37 presented the PERUMIN Seal. This distinction recognizes excellence in inclusive practices and gender equity among organizations across the country, including mining companies, suppliers, and related sectors.

During the most recent Mining Thursday event, Karina Zevallos, director of the institution, explained that mining companies and suppliers interested in obtaining the PERUMIN Seal can apply free of charge until May to participate in the process. Preliminary document reviews will take place in June. Notably, eight areas will be evaluated:

●       Inclusion and Diversity Policies

●       Leadership and Governance

●       Transparency and Reporting

●       Equity in Hiring and Retention

●       Female Talent Development

●       Community Impact

●       Tangible Results

●       Sustainability and Future Perspective

The advisory and evaluation committee overseeing the process will carry out audits and verifications from June to July this year. Technical evaluations and feedback are scheduled between July and August, concluding with the awarding of the certification in September during PERUMIN 37 in Arequipa.

Zevallos highlighted that earning the PERUMIN Seal has a positive impact on the certified company's reputation, as it provides public recognition as a leader in gender equity in the mining industry.

"The PERUMIN Seal enhances brand perception among investors, strategic partners and local communities, while positioning the company as committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," she pointed out during the Mining Thursday event.

She also noted that the seal provides visibility at high-level events such as PERUMIN, as well as on national and international media platforms. It provides a competitive advantage in attracting diverse, highly skilled talent and fosters greater employee loyalty and engagement by promoting an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Objectives

Karina Zevallos, director of the IIMP, highlighted that the PERUMIN Seal aims to promote a mining sector that is increasingly inclusive, competitive, and sustainable, showcasing practices that promote gender equity and encouraging other companies to replicate them.

Zevallos emphasized that this initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to position mining as a driver of innovation, sustainability, and social acceptance, strengthening its leadership in the region.

“It is a distinction that seeks to recognize and promote best practices in gender equity, that is, what mining and supplier companies are doing to include more women in their workforce and ensure it is sustainable over time. The Seal will evaluate eight areas within companies and will be renewable every two years during PERUMIN,” she explained before a packed audience at the latest Mining Thursday edition.

The IIMP representative said that the main objectives of the PERUMIN Seal were to recognize companies with effective gender equity policies and positive impacts; to promote strategies to reduce gaps, strengthen female talent, and improve sustainability; and to inspire best practices in the mining value chain, fostering collaboration and cultural change.

What’s Next

Zevallos also announced that three activities will take place during PERUMIN 37 to promote the closing of the gender gap: the STEM Dinner, the Gender Equity Forum, and the PERUMIN Seal of Excellence in Gender Equity. According to UNESCO, women make up only one-third of higher education students in STEM fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“The STEM Dinner will be held on Sunday, September 21, to raise funds for up to ten science and mining workshops in schools, reaching 1,200 girls in Arequipa through the Kuraq Ñañayki program, in partnership with WIM Peru. During the all-day Gender Equity Forum, we will engage with industry leaders to discuss and share initiatives that have proven effective in closing the gender gap in mining,” she said.