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

2019 has been a very challenging year for exploration, especially for greenfields; however, the goals for brownfields have been somewhat achieved; in that sense, our expectations for proEXPLO 2021, to be held 100% virtually, is that we will have the opportunity to access conferences, booths and core shacks of different mining operations, exploration projects, as well as new technologies in geological prospecting.

We expect this event to be well attended due to the ease of remote global connectivity and the existence of a market interested in new projects since commodity prices are very favorable.

How would you describe Peruvian geology?

Peruvian geology is one of the most complete and complex in the world, with an incredible geological potential. We have in our territory almost all the known and studied mineralization, with world-class deposits that host gold, copper, molybdenum, silver, zinc, lithium, etc.

Why is prospecting and exploration important in mining?

Because prospecting and mineral exploration is the beginning towards finding new prospects, developing them into projects and turning them into mines. Keep in mind that mines have a certain useful life as their resources and reserves are depleted; therefore, further exploration is needed to develop new projects and new mines.

What investments does Newmont have planned for the years 2021-2022?

We have several initial exploration projects in the portfolio nationwide; however, since March of last year these have been almost paralyzed due to the pandemic.

As you know, for initial exploration works, the projects are located in very remote places and we interact with very isolated communities with very little health care; therefore, under these current conditions of high rates of contagion, little or no availability of ICU beds, it is difficult to develop explorations in new projects. We hope that with the vaccine this will be controlled and we can go back to the field.

Do current copper and gold prices favor exploration for these types of mining products?

Certainly, they encourage investment in exploration and development of proven projects; however, government support is key to ensure the stability and viability of investments.

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

Newmont is a company that is always at the forefront of new technologies for exploration (Geochemistry, Geophysics, Artificial Intelligence, etc.).

What are the professional competencies that Newmont will demand for the next 2, 5 and 10 years?

There are many professional competencies that Newmont will require in the future, but it will be aligned according to how the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled, as well as the social viability and especially government support.