Luna pointed out that this initiative, implemented between 2006 and 2011, helped expedite projects in mining areas.

At the conference titled “Towards Economic Recovery” during Heading to PERUMIN, Henry Luna, the vice-minister of Mines at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), advocated for the discussion of the funds generated by mining, such as canon or royalties, as well as the implementation of social trusts.

He highlighted the importance of reactivating the “Program of Solidarity with the People,” which was active between 2006 and 2011. Luna said that this initiative allowed mining companies, local authorities, and communities to work together to determine which projects should be implemented.

“This formula allowed mining companies, regional authorities, municipalities, and residents of the areas adjacent to the mine to decide which projects we could undertake, and the projects were implemented immediately," Luna recalled.

The Mining Program of Solidarity with the People (PMSP) was a commitment to voluntary, extraordinary, and temporary economic contributions between mining companies, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This program was later replaced by royalties as of 2011.

Working with regional and local governments

On the other hand, the representative of MINEM called on regional authorities and mayors to focus on generating development in the country and to avoid hindering large-scale projects.

Luna emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the national government, regional governments, and communities at the beginning of exploration work, which will open the door to new mining units in the future.

"Regional authorities, especially mayors, should remember that they were elected by the state to be agents of development, not to create obstacles. There are significant projects that could be carried out in Apurímac, Cajamarca, and other regions. These projects are the most important investment portfolio," the vice-minister emphasized.

Furthermore, Luna highlighted the need to work together with regional governors to carry out explorations that would enable the establishment of new mining units in the coming years, contributing to the creation of direct and indirect jobs.

The vice-minister reported that last year, 225,674 direct jobs and approximately 2 million indirect jobs were created, which shows the positive impact of these initiatives on the country's economy and employment.