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

Meeting again with leaders in the exploration sector, both from Peru and other countries, will be very enriching as it will allow us to learn about the progress of projects, advances in exploration concepts, tools and technologies, as well as the challenges we face at the current juncture.

Also, the exchange of experiences is an opportunity of great value for BHP.

What aspects can facilitate mining exploration?

We need to encourage more responsible investment and promote a national regulatory framework that is competitive with those of other countries in the region.

Also, in order for projects developed in Peru to compete on equal terms, it is necessary to reduce permitting times, without losing quality and safety, and thus generate work and wealth for all.

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?

We believe that we must promote new projects that allow us to meet the future demand for metals; this requires the work of socially and environmentally responsible companies.

At BHP we have a Social Value approach: it is the contribution we make to society, partners, shareholders, communities, the economy and the environment. Creating Social Value is a priority to achieve our objective of mobilizing people and resources to build a better future for all.

What exploration investments does BHP have planned for the next two years?

BHP has been committed to Peru and its geological potential for decades. We have several exploration projects in the pipeline ready for drilling, and we are in dialogue with the communities and authorities in order to reach agreements that are beneficial for all.

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

At BHP we are constantly evaluating new technologies that can improve our ability to predict and detect mineral deposits, including those hidden under cover.

In addition, we have a variety of exploration tools and machine learning techniques, drones, among others.

We also support pioneering research studies at prestigious universities.

What has been BHP's plan for dealing with COVID-19 both in its operations and within the communities?

In South America, since the beginning of the health crisis, BHP operations have applied a contingency plan focused on controlling - in a dynamic and flexible manner - the effects of the pandemic on its workforce to safeguard their health and safety.

The company has implemented a series of control and hygiene measures, in coordination with the health authorities, and existing protocols at the national level. In addition, each operation establishes specific measures according to the risk criteria both within the operation and the region where it operates.

This year, BHP is relying on the experience and lessons learned in 2020. Preventive testing, for example, is a great tool to prevent infected people from entering projects or mines.

Every week, as a preventive measure, BHP operations carry out active case search days, with PCR and antigen tests. This active case search is carried out in the hometowns of workers, directors and contractors.

In March 2020, BHP also launched direct support plans for the communities near our operations. Based on our Social Value strategy, we created comprehensive programs to help those who needed it most.

In our exploration activities in Peru, we have designed protocols to deal with the pandemic in the field and according to the program to be executed, considering the number of people and work area conditions, as well as lodging, transportation, and food. Health monitoring has been fundamental for the execution of work during the pandemic. These protocols have worked thanks to the commitment of all personnel to comply in detail with them.

We have had the opportunity to provide humanitarian support to the most remote high Andean areas and strengthen the capacity of medical centers linked to our communities through the provision of PPE for COVID. We have also prioritized the generation of awareness among our communities, promoting hygienic practices in coordination with health centers, improving their sanitary facilities, water supply points and provision of disinfection and personal protection equipment.