What are your expectations for this 12th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers (proEXPLO 2021)?

I am very interested and looking forward to participating in the proEXPLO talks, especially on the use of technologies for analysis of geochemical and geophysical data, as also on the demonstrated use of modern equipment for better identification of minerals typical of hydrothermal alterations, which we could use in our projects.

What aspects can facilitate mining exploration?

The first factor that would help boost exploration projects and investment would be the correct adaptation of environmental regulations (environmental licenses for early drilling stages, prior consultations) and legal regulations for the early stages of exploration, where the risk is high and economic resources are short. Government agencies should improve communication about the positive impact of mining development on society and other industries, such as the agricultural sector.

Experts point out that we are facing a great demand for ores around the world. Is Peru doing everything necessary to respond to this new scenario in the global mineral market?

I believe that even though exploration activities in Peru have been developing cautiously, the year 2020 was disastrous for this sector. I predict projects paralyzed by the health crisis will resume in 2021, and new exploration projects will be opened, including not only those focused on base metals, but also on special minerals such as lithium, platinum, nickel, tin and cobalt, which are growing in demand because of changing consumption habits towards modern technologies.

Therefore, the easing of bureaucratic barriers and the improvement and adaptation of regulations for the mining sector would generate more attractive expectations that will help to boost explorations and consequently, to know and increase the country's available resources.

Why is prospecting and exploration important for mining?

Exploration is the main source of research and target generation for future mining projects. Minimizing or not investing in exploration projects would lead to the depletion of already available resources, which would result not only in the withdraw of investments from this sector, but also in the loss of jobs. Exploration also enhances knowledge about Peru's geology, shows project options and encourages investment in the mining sector.

What exploration and exploitation investments does Antamina have planned for the years 2021-2022?

Antamina, as a company, has been working for years on the generation, evaluation and analysis of geochemical and geophysical information, such as the determination of the geochemical and geophysical footprint, based on information from the Antamina deposit, in order to work and refine our exploration targets.

What technologies are being or will be applied by Antamina for its prospecting and exploration activities?

The main technologies we are working with would be the geochemical analysis of thousands of field samples using Machine Learning, the use of lithogeochemistry, magnetometry and spectral analysis of field samples and diamond core.