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

For Pan American Silver, proEXPLO 2021 is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to responsible mining and to work together with the private sector, academia, investors and other social actors on the innovation that redefines the mining of the future towards sustainability.

Undoubtedly, this event will be a great opportunity to share with other specialized fronts one of our main convictions: to achieve a clean production that generates value.

Why is prospecting and exploration important in mining?

Peru is historically a mining country. However, without exploration there is no mining. And it is specifically these exploration investment figures that have shown a significant decrease in our country.

Under this scenario, it is necessary to understand that prospecting and exploration are vital stages to find ore bodies that ensure the industry's sustainability. In addition, they contribute to strengthening the link between the State, private companies and the population.

What investments does Pan American Silver have planned for 2021-2022?

In Peru, an investment of US$ 12 million has been considered for 2021, and a similar amount will be invested in 2022.

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

The technology we are using for exploration is basically geophysics.

How would you describe Peruvian geology?

Peruvian geology is committed to the development of the country and the world. It is one of the professions that has a long-term vision focused on sustainability.

Not only does it map the mineral wealth in different parts of our country, identifying minerals that are necessary for the world's industries to continue their production, but it also has a growing commitment to the environment and safety for future generations.

It is these spaces for dialogue and involvement between companies in the industry and specialists of the mining sector that make it possible for Peruvian geology to continue to position itself as a world reference in mining.

Geological sciences have once again proven to be a fundamental pillar in times of crisis, as the one we are currently going through; sustaining mineral exploration and production industries, so important in this economic reactivation.

How would you describe Peruvian geology professionals?

Peruvian geology professionals have a deep-rooted commitment to development and sustainability. Undoubtedly, they are prepared to deal with the versatility of the industries that govern their profession and that allow them to supply industrial, economic and social growth.

It is important to emphasize that the contribution of this profession must have an even deeper interpretation, since the involvement of these professionals is also linked to urban and territorial planning, as well as risk management and infrastructure projections.

Analytical capacity, versatility and creativity are just some of the characteristics that complement the profile of these Peruvian professionals, who have had the opportunity to be academically trained in one of the most challenging scenarios in geological terms.

What has been the main impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Pan American Silver's performance?

Adaptability and innovation have been the main pillars to ensure compliance with the organization's objectives without neglecting the commitment to the safety and well-being of workers and neighboring communities.

The implementation of control measures within the camps, medical follow-up, telephone triage, rapid and molecular tests, as well as the creation of work cells within the organization in order to safeguard the health of workers and achieve the sustainability of operations.

In terms of safety, rigorous protocols have been applied in each of the operations in the central and northern regions of the country.

We have had more complex fronts. For example, at the social level, where the relationship with our areas of influence has migrated to non-face-to-face spaces to safeguard the health of our neighbors and collaborators. However, the trust co-created up to this point has allowed this transition to be quite organic and has acceptance among all those involved, therefore, it is necessary to continue implementing and educating with all the preventive measures to minimize the contagion of our workers and neighboring populations.