The contest is aimed at students from public and private schools in all regions of Peru and aims to promote knowledge about responsible mining. The Initiative consists of four categories and will receive works in both Spanish and Quechua.

Arequipa, March 26, 2025. With the presence of the mayor of Arequipa, Víctor Hugo Rivera, and representatives of the UGEL Arequipa Norte, Roberto Marín, and Arequipa Sur, Vladimir Andia, the Organizing Committee of PERUMIN 37 and the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP) announced in Arequipa the development of a new edition of the National School Mining Award, organized with the support of the Professional School of Mining Engineering of the Universidad Católica de Santa María.

The contest, developed within the framework of PERUMIN 37, is aimed at students from public and private schools in all regions of Peru and aims to promote knowledge about responsible mining and its importance for the sustainable development of the country. As explained by the president of PERUMIN 37, Jimena Sologuren, the initiative also seeks to recognize the talent of students and provide a stimulus to schools and teachers, in addition to awakening interest and vocation for mining.

"Contests like this help children broaden their horizons, discover new opportunities, and aspire to great goals. I am sure that, as in previous editions, we will receive outstanding applications from the schools of Arequipa, which have shone since the first edition of the award," explained Sologuren.

Inclusive program

During the launch conference held in the auditorium of the Universidad Católica de Santa María in Arequipa, Tomás Gonzales, president of the National School Mining Award and director of the IIMP, stressed that the contest also seeks to strengthen cultural identity through the use of Quechua. "In the previous edition, we received works in Quechua, which is a significant achievement that we want to continue promoting," said Gonzales.

Similarly, he explained that the contest consists of four categories, according to educational levels. These are: Short Story (from 1st to 3rd grade), Theater performance (from 4th to 6th grade), Models (from 1st to 3rd grade), and Social and Environmental Responsibility in Action (from 4th to 5th grade). The first three places in each category will receive technological equipment such as tablets and laptops for the student and teacher advisor, in addition to economic incentives for the educational institutions they represent and scholarships from TECSUP.

Mining close to the people

For Gustavo De Vinatea, the general manager of the IIMP, the National School Mining Award is part of the institution’s efforts to build communication links that foster closer relationships, aiming for a more inclusive, transparent industry in contact with citizens. "In the development of this work, we have identified the importance of reaching schoolchildren. In a few years, they will be responsible for making decisions for the benefit of our society, and we want them to have the right tools to do so," said De Vinatea.

The press conference was attended by the rector of the Catholic University of Santa María, Jorge Luis Cáceres, and the general director of TECSUP, Juan Manuel García Calderón, who welcomed the initiative and reiterated their commitment to the development of the contest. The deadline for registration is June 27. Interested schools can obtain more information on the IIMP website, as well as communicate through the concursoescolar@iimp.org.pe email or by calling 940 382 923.