Silvia Rosas Lizárraga, member of the Advisory Committee of the 13th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers (proEXPLO 2023), who holds a PhD and MSc in Mineralogy from the University of Heidelberg (Germany), and works as main professor and head of the Geological Engineering career at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), tells us in an interview about the advances that she identifies in geoscientific research in Peru and reflects on the challenges our country faces in order to optimize the training of professionals in the mining sector.

What is your opinion on the progress of geoscientific research in Peru?

In Peru, steps have been taken towards a relevant geoscientific activity of international scope, with productions being published in indexed journals in the English language, which gives global reach to the knowledge generated and, therefore, a scientific discussion leading to its advancement. These efforts include collaboration with relevant partners and institutions around the world, which has achieved both the participation of different schools of knowledge, as well as access to state-of-the-art analytical equipment that does not yet exist in Peru.

These efforts are, however, still insufficient and we are far from realities where scientific research, as described above, is a common task in the university environment.

As a university teacher, how much interest do you see in students in prospecting and exploration?

Naturally, I can give my opinion about the students of the institution where I work, where the graduate profile of the Geological Engineering degree is specifically aimed at exploration geology and mining development. It is a relatively young program, but it already has a certain number of graduates, most of whom work precisely in these areas, which demonstrates a priority interest in them.

What is needed for the new generations of Peruvian geologists to graduate at a good level and be at the forefront of this industry?

A training that includes research work such as those described above, thanks to which the active teaching staff is combined in the acquisition of knowledge with the active teaching staff in professional practice. This synergy provides the best training conditions for future industry professionals and an important factor is the participation of students in scientific research projects from the undergraduate level.

These conditions can be achieved as soon as our universities understand that the teaching staff must be composed of professors with advanced academic training, with graduate degrees obtained in relevant universities that guarantee it. Teachers with these characteristics will be able to make efficient and scientifically productive use of the funds from the mining industry, which benefit the national universities.

In recent years more professionals and technicians from the mining sector are migrating abroad to work. How to retain this talent?

Today, the labor market extends beyond the country's borders. Competitive professionals will have global opportunities. If these are not offered in the country, there is little that can be done to prevent emigration.

What would you say is the cause of the decrease in mining exploration in Peru?

There is a wide range of causes that have been widely mentioned and discussed by different relevant industry players. Four in particular can be highlighted: political uncertainty; the lack of long-term plans from the central, regional and local governments; bureaucratic barriers, which reduce our competitiveness in relation to other mining countries; and the increase in corruption in the country.

What are your expectations for proEXPLO 2023?

In addition to being a showcase for the country's great geological wealth and the many opportunities to enhance the country's mining potential, which allow for the sustainability of its economic growth, the event will address various strategic issues within the framework of the transition to renewable energies.

proEXPLO 2023 will have specific activities among which I would like to highlight the panel on higher education in geology, which will feature international participants with long experience in the field. I hope this allows our academic environment to reflect on the type of training we should provide to our future geology professionals, in order to make them locally and globally competitive.

proEXPLO 2023: Descubriendo la Minería del Futuro