In the high-altitude landscapes of the Puno region, a quiet revolution in human capital development is taking place. On June 18, 2026, Explomin—a leader in specialized drilling services—marked a significant milestone by celebrating the graduation of the third cohort of its "Programa 360°" (360° Program) for Drilling Assistants. Developed specifically for the San Rafael Mining Unit in collaboration with Minsur, this initiative is not merely a training course; it is a strategic blueprint for integrating local communities into the professional mining sector.
The program, which boasts a 100% hiring rate for its graduates, has gained national acclaim, not only for its efficacy in technical instruction but for its role in fostering social inclusion. By bridging the gap between local talent and the rigorous demands of the mining industry, Explomin has set a new benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Peru.
Main Facts: A Commitment to Excellence and Inclusion
The third promotion of the 360° Program consisted of 13 graduates, selected from a competitive pool of 121 applicants from the districts of Antauta and Ajoyani. These individuals underwent an intensive six-month curriculum designed to transform novices into skilled drilling assistants.
The success of this cohort is highlighted by several key achievements:
- 100% Employment Integration: Every graduate successfully secured a position within the industry, validating the program’s focus on market-relevant skills.
- Breaking Gender Barriers: In a historic first for the initiative, three women were among the graduates, marking a pivotal shift toward greater gender diversity in technical and operational mining roles.
- Strategic Collaboration: The program utilized a tripartite model involving Explomin (technical expertise), Minsur (client and operational site), and CETEMIN (educational partner).
The Chronology: From Selection to Certification
The journey of the third cohort was a rigorous six-month endeavor, structured to ensure that theory was matched by practical application. The process can be categorized into four distinct phases:
1. The Selection Phase
The process began with a widespread outreach campaign in the districts of Antauta and Ajoyani. Attracting 121 applicants, the selection committee prioritized aptitude, commitment, and a desire to build a long-term career in mining. The high ratio of applicants to available spots (nearly 10:1) underscored the deep interest and need for professional development in these communities.
2. The Theoretical Foundation
Partnering with CETEMIN, a leading institution in technical education, the program implemented a curriculum that covered the fundamentals of safety, geology, equipment maintenance, and drilling mechanics. This phase was designed to ensure that participants understood the "why" behind every operational action, fostering a culture of safety-first performance.
3. Practical Field Exposure
Mining is an industry that cannot be mastered in a classroom. The latter half of the program shifted to the San Rafael Mining Unit. Under the mentorship of Explomin’s senior drillers, participants applied their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience allowed them to become familiar with the specific machinery and environmental conditions they would face in their future careers.
4. Certification and Employment
The culmination of the training on June 18 was not just a graduation ceremony but a launchpad. Because the curriculum was tailored to the specific needs of the San Rafael project, the transition from trainee to employee was seamless. By the time the graduates received their certificates, their employment contracts were already in effect, reflecting a 100% conversion rate.
Supporting Data: Why the 360° Model Works
The effectiveness of the 360° Program is rooted in its holistic approach. Unlike traditional training programs that focus solely on technical skills, the 360° model emphasizes "soft" skills, safety culture, and organizational alignment.
- Impact on Local Economies: By focusing on the districts of Antauta and Ajoyani, the program directly influences the economic stability of the communities surrounding the San Rafael mine. Each job created ripples outward, supporting families and stimulating local commerce.
- Standardization of Quality: The partnership with CETEMIN ensures that graduates meet national industry standards. This certification provides the graduates with a "passport" of skills, allowing them to remain employable throughout their careers, regardless of the specific project.
- Reduction in Operational Risk: Well-trained assistants lead to safer drilling operations. By investing six months in training, Explomin significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and equipment damage, which is a key performance indicator for the company.
Official Responses and Industry Recognition
The success of the program has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the 360° Program was awarded first place in the "Suppliers" category at the Premios ProActivo, a prestigious recognition for initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the Peruvian mining industry.
Industry experts have lauded the program for its "co-creation" aspect. By involving Minsur (the mining operator) in the training phase, Explomin ensures that the training is not theoretical, but strictly aligned with the actual operational needs of the site.
In a recent statement, company representatives emphasized that the 360° Program is a core pillar of their corporate philosophy. "Our commitment is not just to extract minerals, but to build capacity within the people who work with us," a spokesperson noted. "When we empower a local resident with high-level technical skills, we are building a more resilient and sustainable mining ecosystem for the entire country."
Implications for the Future of Mining in Peru
The inclusion of women in this cohort is perhaps the most significant implication for the industry’s future. Historically, technical roles in remote mining operations have been male-dominated. By successfully integrating women into these roles, the 360° Program is challenging stereotypes and opening a new talent pool that is essential for the industry’s growth.
A Scalable Model
The 360° Program is highly scalable. Its success at the San Rafael unit demonstrates that a similar methodology could be applied across other mining regions in Peru. As the demand for specialized drilling talent grows, the need for programs that prioritize local recruitment over fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) labor will become increasingly critical.
Strengthening Social License to Operate
One of the most persistent challenges for mining companies is maintaining their "social license to operate." When communities see their residents thriving in high-paying, skilled positions within the mine, the relationship between the company and the local population transforms from one of tension to one of partnership. The 360° Program is a tangible demonstration of this partnership in action.
The Human Element
Beyond the metrics of success, the human story of the 13 graduates remains the most compelling. For these individuals, the program represents a life-changing opportunity. It provides them with a trajectory that leads away from unstable, informal labor and toward a professional career with clear advancement paths.
As Explomin looks to the future, the company has pledged to continue the expansion of these training initiatives. They recognize that the next generation of mining leaders will be those who are trained today, and by investing in the local talent of Peru, they are ensuring the longevity and competitiveness of the sector.
Conclusion
The third promotion of the 360° Program stands as a testament to what is possible when private enterprise, educational institutions, and local communities align their goals. By turning local applicants into expert drilling assistants, Explomin has not only improved its own operational efficiency but has contributed to the socio-economic development of the Puno region.
As the industry faces the dual challenges of a shifting labor market and the need for greater sustainability, initiatives like the 360° Program provide a clear path forward. It is a model that prioritizes people, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that the wealth generated by the mining sector serves as a catalyst for long-term regional progress. For the 13 graduates, the future is no longer a matter of chance, but a career built on the solid foundation of their own hard work and the support of a program that truly believes in their potential.
