Companies that develop responsible mining in Peru

Mining is one of the most important activities within the Peruvian economic system.

Mining involves more than just extracting minerals and attracting significant foreign investments. Nowadays, it also encompasses what we refer to as social responsibility. This includes activities like treating water, monitoring diseases, bringing electricity to rural areas, promoting education, and much more.

Mining plays a crucial role in Peru's economy. In January 2024 alone, mining exports amounted to USD 3,104 million, marking a significant 15 % increase from January 2023, where it stood at USD 2,707 million, as reported by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE).

In mining, another important aspect of work involves social responsibility, which is all about how companies ethically engage with the communities around them. Here are a few examples showcasing companies that excel in this field.

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CERRO VERDE MINING COMPANY

In 2004, the Peruvian mining company Cerro Verde began working on a plan known as the "Círculo virtuoso del agua" (Virtuous Circle of Water). This strategy aimed to build three dams to collect and purify as much water as they could.

With a USD 150 million investment, this project is helping over 750,000 people in Arequipa. Additionally, the company cleaned up the Chili River's sewage, making it safe for treatment, and restored 17,000 hectares of farmland, benefiting over a million people.

GOLD FIELDS MINING COMPANY

One fascinating project comes from the South African mining company Gold Fields, which operates in Peru. They embarked on a mission to bring electricity and clean water to the communities around their extraction site in Hualgayoc, Cajamarca. With an investment exceeding USD 400,000, the project aimed to light up homes and streets with electricity and provide access to safe drinking water.

Before 2005, Halgayoc district in Cajamarca and the surrounding towns lacked electricity. Gold Fields Mining stepped in and provided this essential service to all nearby communities at no cost. Notably, Gold Fields ranked 3rd among the 11 most responsible mining companies in Peru in the recent Merco Responsibility ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ranking in 2023. Additionally, Gold Fields has risen 8 positions in the Top 100 rankings, now standing at 65th place.

VOLCAN MINING COMPANY

The Volcan mining company, based in Cerro de Pasco and Yauli, Morococha in the region of Junin, Peru, has designed a project that specifically identifies and monitors the major diseases prevalent in the neighboring communities around its operations center.

The company organizes medical campaigns across over ten medical fields, keeping an eye on patients' progress over time. These campaigns focus on treating diseases and ensuring both children and adults get vaccinated for prevention.

ANTAMINA MINING COMPANY

The Peruvian mining company Antamina embarked on a global social responsibility project. They implemented a strategy to enhance social integration by empowering women in Ancash to access better and participate in managing their family businesses.

Antamina fostered opportunities for discussing the role of women in family businesses. By providing training, they empowered these companies, making it easier for them to thrive in local, regional, and even international markets.

The project received a USD 15 million investment and helped over 1,500 families in the region. According to the mining company's official data, by 2023, 30 % of new hires were women, and in 2024, 47 % of auxiliary roles in mining operations are being filled by women.

In an era where many companies prioritize quantitative goods, sustainable mining is more profitable for the country and represents a competitive advantage for any mining company. The most important thing will always be to understand the communities and work in favor of the environment.