What are the objectives of the 12th Congress of Prospectors and Explorers (proEXPLO 2021)?

proEXPLO has always had an important relevance in Peruvian mining exploration and, therefore, in the industry. Various actors from both the private and public sectors participate in this event to showcase new projects, advances, innovations and improvements that allow for a fundamental development of the mining industry.

As the slogan "Mineral Resources for a Sustainable Future" points out, the main objective of the congress is focused on the search for these mineral resources, ensuring that the environment where they are found guarantees their sustainability over time. This involves environmental, legal, political and social issues, as well as exogenous agents such as what happened this year with the COVID-19 that paralyzed the world.

This proEXPLO 2021 is based on three fundamental axes linked to Sustainability in the future of mineral resources. The first focused on exploration innovation; the second on exploration success stories from Peru and Latin America; and the third on the optimal transition from exploration to mining.

Finally, due to the pandemic, which is affecting the entire world, we decided with great effort to make this congress virtual, which will mark a milestone in history, and I am sure that everyone's expectations will be met fully.

How is work progressing regarding the keynote speeches for proEXPLO 2021?

The keynote speeches are practically ready, with very relevant high-level topics by world-class professionals, which I am sure will enrich all those who participate. There will be lectures on Machine Learning; exploration of minerals and hydrocarbons in Peru with innovative thinking; integrated model for copper-gold mineralization; turning mineral resources into a sustainable future, and the global copper market.

What do you think will be the contribution of proEXPLO 2021 to Peruvian mining?

Undoubtedly, the greatest contribution of this edition of proEXPLO 2021 will be innovation. Many of the mining exploration processes have evolved positively in terms of technology hand in hand with innovation; current technological tools make exploration more dynamic and agile.

Likewise, the new projects that will impact the future of Peruvian mining in a sustainable way over time and, finally, closing gaps in the understanding of the transition from exploration to the mine, will be topics of great contribution to Peruvian mining.

What takeaway do you want participants to take home at the end of proEXPLO 2021?

I hope that at the end of this edition of proEXPLO 2021 all participants realize the importance of having mineral resources for a sustainable future, understanding that mining exploration is innovating year after year based on the use of technology in an efficient and effective way but without forgetting the basic principles of exploration.

In addition, we have important success stories of projects mainly in Peru that will ensure the sustainability of the mining industry over time and finally internalize that the transition from exploration to mine construction is an important process involving many internal and external factors that when covered and developed properly will allow the development of sustainable mining over time.

Finally, we want participants to experience that despite even extreme difficulties such as those experienced in today's world in the midst of a pandemic caused by COVID-19, we are capable of moving forward with effort and dedication.

What are the main characteristics of Peruvian geology? Is there any particular factor that makes Peru stand out from other mining countries?

Peru's geology is an open book. Peru's geology is an open book.

Our country was, is and will be a mining country par excellence, and the Peruvian Andes have always shown its majesty throughout the length and breadth of the country. We are a country with a wide diversity of mining deposits with a significant amount of metals to produce; and with a mining presence in almost every part of our territory.

Based on the world ranking of metal reserves, published by Gerens in November 2019 and updated in October 2020, Peru is number 1 in world silver reserves; number 3 in world copper reserves; number 3 in world zinc reserves and number 7 in world gold reserves; which places us above countries such as Russia, Canada and Australia. But we still have a long way to go.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all professionals and general public involved in the mining sector to participate in this edition of proEXPLO 2021, which in its first VIRTUAL edition, will have an extensive program that I am sure will meet all expectations.