In an interview for the International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers (proEXPLO 2023), Rodrigo Darquea, Director of Exploration at BHP, shares the Australian company's perspectives on the mineralogical wealth of our country, the new ventures underway and the budget to be disbursed this year to continue the search for copper deposits and other metals critical to climate change and the energy transition.

Why is proEXPLO important for the mining industry?

The first thing I want to say is that as a company we are very happy to participate in proEXPLO. There is no doubt about the importance of proEXPLO for the mining industry: it allows critical issues such as exploration projects to be addressed in technical depth, as well as giving a long-term perspective for Peru to develop its potential as one of the main copper producers in the world.

What are BHP's expectations regarding proEXPLO?

After having been present at PERUMIN last year, where we reaffirmed our commitment to continue growing alongside Peru, the next natural step was to be at proEXPLO. We seek to reaffirm our strategic alliances, discuss new business development and address the generation of Social Value in mining. I am sure that proEXPLO will be a great opportunity to strengthen the alliance between Peru and BHP.

What message will you seek to share with the mining community?

Our priority is to share our experience as one of the largest global natural resources companies, backed by more than 135 years of history. We have unique standards, practices and experiences to share at proEXPLO, especially in a country with the geological potential that Peru has.

How would you summarize the company's participation in the event?

For this edition of proEXPLO, we will participate with presentations on topics as diverse as the use of technology in mining prospecting and our experience in generating Social Value through exploration activities, which is one of our pillars to contribute positively in the areas where we are present.

Why should Peru take advantage of its geological wealth?

Peru has an enormous geological potential and a centuries-old mining history. The country already has a significant production, which places it among the world's leading players. In addition, if the right decisions are made, the country has the possibility of increasing its share of the copper market even further in the coming years.

How does BHP contribute to harnessing mining potential?

As BHP we want to be strategic partners by working together with Peru and its people, and thus contribute to explore and develop all that potential, in a global context where production will need to double over the next 30 years to address climate change, and to support fundamental tasks such as electrification and energy transition.

What mining operations in Peru is BHP involved in?

Although we do not currently have mines operated by us, we are present in Peru through Antamina, with a 33.75% stake. An important fact is that Antamina has submitted a request for a permit to extend its useful life until 2036 in a project valued at US$1.6 billion, precisely to strengthen its presence in Peru.

What mining projects are being developed in our country?

With all the experience we have gained in other countries, our goal is to increase our participation in Peru, and that is why we are developing exploration programs in six mining districts. In fact, we have already obtained the initial drilling permit for our Jatum Orcco project, which is a very important step in our exploration work. I would like to reiterate that Peru is a key piece of our Exploration program for South America and we certainly want to continue to grow in Peru.

How much do you plan to invest in exploration activities?

As we announced in the last edition of PERUMIN, between now and June 2023 we are investing US$12 million in exploration programs in the country. This investment is an important step in our growth strategy as BHP and an important sign of the confidence we have in the potential of Peruvian mining.

What technologies do you use to search for deposits?

In this work we are incorporating all the technological advantages that we have developed in the more than 90 locations where we operate worldwide. For example, we are advancing in the use of artificial intelligence to process the data we collect in the field to speed up the process of discovering copper deposits and their characterization. A great example is how we are using blockchain technology at a global level to trace the emissions generated in our value chain so that we can then offset them. Mining in the future will require strong technological development and Peru must be part of that development.

proEXPLO 2023: Descubriendo la Minería del Futuro