It has also been demonstrated that mining is and will be the activity that enables a rapid economic recovery through its linkages to other activities, as well as the generation of income and direct and indirect employment at the national level.

In this context, Peru's mining exploration plays a strategic role, since it is the initial activity in the mining production process, without forgetting that it competes in attracting investment with other countries with geological potential around the world that offer a competitive framework and environment.

Hence the urgency to continue promoting measures to promote exploration not only in brownfield projects but mainly in greenfield projects, as the future of mining depends on the progress of investments in exploration and new mining discoveries.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on exploration investment in 2020, which shrank by 40% between January and October compared to a similar period in 2019, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). And we believe that the 64 exploration projects developed in 2020 will increase next year.

To this end, we consider it important that other ministries accompany MINEM's efforts to facilitate mining exploration. In this regard, the modification of the Environmental Protection Regulations for Mining Exploration Activities in 2020 stands out, which established a positive administrative silence for the applications of the Environmental Technical File (FTA).

Also relevant was the establishment of a maximum period of 60 working days for the Agency of Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) to control the closure of mining exploration projects, since the mine holder submits the corresponding closure report.

In addition, it is worth noting MINEM's initiative to seek to expedite the procedures for exploration by exchanging the prior consultation process for a prior agreement that would be negotiated with the communities when evaluating the lands where exploration will take place. The intention is to apply the existing regulations without leading to a prolonged process. The aim of this initiative is to reduce to about six months the time it takes to complete a prior consultation process in the exploration stage, which usually takes one year.

On the other hand, professional geologists, who are experts in mining exploration, use a set of advanced technological tools: big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, among others, which contribute to the discovery of new mineral deposits in a sustainable way.

These are some of the topics that will be addressed at the 12th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers - proEXPLO 2021, which under the slogan: "Mineral Resources for a Sustainable Future", is organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers and will take place between March 22nd and 26th, 2021.