proEXPLO 2026: Lessons from 20 Years of Exploration in the Vicuña District to Shape Keynote Speech
The Vicuña project could become the world’s fifth-largest copper deposit, amid rising demand driven by electromobility, the energy transition, and artificial intelligence.
Lima, April 27, 2026.- The 15th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers, proEXPLO 2026, will feature as one of its central highlights a keynote speech by Juan Arrieta, Geology Manager at Vicuña Corp., who will present a comprehensive review of more than 20 years of exploration in the Vicuña district, one of the most significant geological systems in the Andean region.
During his presentation, Arrieta will emphasize that the experience gained in the district demonstrates the progressive and long-term nature of major mining discoveries.
“It is a story that shows that results do not always come as quickly as expected, and that advancing knowledge in large-scale projects requires time, which, in a way, is proportional to the magnitude of the deposit discovered,” the specialist noted, highlighting the importance of perseverance in exploration processes.
He will also underscore the role of technical decision-making in the success of large-scale projects. In this regard, he will stress that “decisions must be led by geologists, not only by finance professionals,” underscoring the value of geoscientific knowledge as the foundation for sustainable mineral resource development.
A World-Class Deposit
The presentation will also address the evolution of the Lundin Group in the Vicuña district, from early exploration work to the consolidation of an integrated long-term vision. According to Arrieta, the alignment of projects such as Josemaría and Filo del Sol Projects, together with a strategic partnership with BHP, has enabled the projection of a globally significant mining development with multigenerational potential.
Beyond the specific case, the presentation will seek to convey lessons applicable to other mineral districts, such as the importance of maintaining flexible geological models, accepting uncertainty as part of the exploration process, and understanding that large mineral systems often occur in clusters.
In this context, the Vicuña project is emerging as one of the most promising copper, gold, and silver developments globally, in a scenario of growing demand driven by the energy transition and electromobility.
With this keynote speech, proEXPLO 2026 reaffirms its role as a leading platform for technical exchange and strategic reflection on the future of mining exploration in the region.
Professional Profile
Juan Arrieta holds a degree in Geological Sciences from the Universidad Nacional de San Juan (Argentine) and has more than 20 years of experience in mineral exploration, with a particular focus on copper and gold porphyry projects in Argentina and Chile.
He began his professional career in 2004 with the Lundin Group, joining as a junior geologist on the Josemaría and Filo del Sol projects, where he participated in the initial drilling campaigns. He has held key roles in the geological and exploration development of projects such as Josemaría, Filo del Sol, and Los Helados, progressively assuming greater responsibilities.