By 2030, Nexa Resources aims to have 30% represent its total workforce and in leadership positions. But not only that, as they expect this figure to be much higher at their new polymetallic operation Aripuaná, in Brazil, where they estimate to increase this figure to 40%.

This was stated by Nery Monteza, Peru leader of Nexa Resources' Empodera Group, at the seminar "Mining of the future: diversity makes us more competitive. Good practices and tools", in the framework of Road to proEXPLO 2023 (Rumbo a proEXPLO 2023), an event organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP).

"Aripuaná is an example for us that it is possible to operate with 30 or 40% of women, that the challenges that lie ahead are possible to overcome when the company and the people want it," she said.

Nery Monteza also pointed out that Aripuaná was born as a mining project that promoted plurality and sustainable development, the basis for the mining of the future. This operation, which will start operations in 2022, currently has 30% of its workforce.

"To reach 30% of women we have had to make a lot of efforts and projects," Monteza said. One of these projects is "Elas" (Feminine "them" in Portuguese), a social initiative in Aripuaná focused on strengthening the performance of the protection network and public policies aimed at women's rights.

"We even had indigenous communities nearby because we are in the Amazon area and we have had to talk a lot about women's rights, we do it in Peru, but in this operation we felt it was very necessary," she said.

Another project is the training program for future mine and plant operating professionals (maintenance and automation and geology and topography). The company hired 66% (142 people) of the people who attended the training program, of which 66% (94) are men and 34% (48) are women.

The Aripuaná underground mine, located some 2,000 km northwest of the capital Brasilia, is expected to reach full plant capacity in the second half of this year. Its average annual production is forecast at 70,000 tons of zinc, 24,000 tons of lead, 4,000 tons of copper, 1.8 million oz. of silver and 14,500 oz. of gold.

Aripuaná consists of three main mineralized zones: Arex, Link and Ambrex. Additional targets include Massaranduba, Boroca and Mocoto to the southeast and Babaçu and Arpa to the northwest.

About Road to proEXPLO

Rumbo a proEXPLO 2023 (Road to proEXPLO 2023) is a series of activities prior to the 13th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers, organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP) from May 8 to 10 at the Lima Convention Center, under the slogan "Discovering the Mining of the Future".

proEXPLO 2023: Descubriendo la Minería del Futuro