Lima, Peru – September 11, 2026 – Minera Las Bambas, a prominent player in Peru’s vital mining sector, recently concluded its impactful participation at EXPOMINA PERU 2026. Held from September 9th to 11th, the triennial event served as a critical platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to convene, discuss pressing challenges, and forge pathways toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for mining. Las Bambas, through a series of insightful panels and discussions, underscored its commitment to not only operational excellence but also to the holistic development of its workforce and the communities in which it operates. The company’s presence at the expo highlighted a strategic focus on fostering talent, driving meaningful social investment, and championing educational initiatives, all while embedding sustainability deeply within its core business practices.
The company’s engagement at EXPOMINA PERU 2026 was characterized by a forward-thinking approach, aiming to connect various facets of contemporary mining. Over the three-day congress, Las Bambas actively participated in four distinct spaces, each designed to share valuable learnings and perspectives drawn from the company’s diverse operational and social engagement spheres. These sessions provided a comprehensive overview of Las Bambas’ multifaceted strategies, encompassing the crucial areas of talent development, the strategic direction of social investment, and the promotion of robust educational frameworks. The overarching theme resonating through Las Bambas’ contributions was the imperative of integrating social and human dimensions into business management to generate sustainable value and foster genuine development within the territories they impact.
Championing Gender Diversity: Elevating the Visibility of Female Talent in Mining
A cornerstone of Minera Las Bambas’ participation was its active role in promoting gender equality within the mining industry. The panel discussion titled "Mining with a Woman’s Face: Contributions, Challenges, and Perspectives" provided a critical forum for exploring the evolving landscape of women’s participation in a historically male-dominated sector. Militzza Arribasplata, Superintendent of Recruitment and Talent Management at Las Bambas, delivered a compelling address that shifted the discourse beyond mere recruitment and retention.
"We are no longer just talking about attracting women to the sector," Arribasplata stated, emphasizing a paradigm shift in the industry’s approach. "We are not even exclusively discussing retention anymore. Today, we are talking about visibility." This powerful assertion underscored Las Bambas’ recognition that true progress in gender diversity lies in ensuring that women’s contributions are not only acknowledged but also celebrated and that they have equitable opportunities for advancement and leadership.
Arribasplata further elaborated on the critical importance of cultivating leadership opportunities for women. She highlighted the need to actively challenge unconscious biases that can hinder professional growth and emphasized the indispensable role of internal champions and mentors who can actively drive the professional development of women within organizational structures. This proactive approach, she explained, is essential for creating an environment where women can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and ascend to leadership positions, thereby enriching the mining sector with diverse talent and innovative thinking.
The company’s commitment extends beyond eloquent statements. Las Bambas has been actively implementing programs designed to identify, nurture, and promote female talent. This includes mentorship initiatives, leadership training tailored for women, and the establishment of employee resource groups focused on gender equality. By actively seeking to amplify the voices and visibility of women, Las Bambas aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace, recognizing that a diverse workforce is a more innovative and resilient workforce. The company believes that by showcasing successful women in various roles, from the operational floor to management, they can inspire the next generation of female mining professionals.
A Long-Term Vision for Education: Cultivating Human Capital for Sustainable Futures
In a separate, yet equally significant, conversatorio titled "Extracting Value, Sowing Trust," a dedicated team from Las Bambas delved into the company’s comprehensive approach to education as a key driver of social development. Tatiana Rubio Díaz, Senior Specialist in Social Investment, Saúl Vigil Barreda, Superintendent of Social Management, and Yuri Gallegos Saldivar, Social Development Analyst, presented Las Bambas’ strategic shift from fragmented educational initiatives to a more integrated and holistic vision for human capital formation.
"We are moving away from looking at isolated spaces or silos, from specific actions, from fulfilling contractual commitments, to adopting a perspective that encompasses the entire educational trajectory," explained Saúl Vigil, articulating the evolution of their strategy. This signifies a move towards understanding and supporting the educational journey of individuals from early childhood through to professional development, recognizing that education is not a series of disconnected events but a continuous process.
Las Bambas’ approach to educational investment is rooted in the belief that fostering strong educational foundations within its operational areas is paramount for long-term community well-being and economic diversification. The company is actively collaborating with local educational institutions, governmental bodies, and community leaders to identify specific needs and co-create solutions. This includes supporting the development of relevant curricula, providing resources and infrastructure for schools, and offering scholarships and vocational training programs. The emphasis is on building local capacity and empowering communities to take ownership of their educational futures.
The company’s commitment to education is not merely philanthropic; it is intrinsically linked to its business sustainability. By investing in the education of local populations, Las Bambas aims to cultivate a skilled workforce, foster innovation, and build stronger, more resilient communities. This long-term perspective on education is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of mining extend far beyond the extraction phase, creating lasting social and economic value for generations to come. The company’s vision is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, both within and beyond the mining sector.
Integrating Sustainability into the Core Business: The "Corazón Las Bambas" Model
The imperative of embedding sustainability into the very fabric of business operations was a central theme in Minera Las Bambas’ presentation. Jimmy Venero, Superintendent of Strategy & Integration, introduced "Corazón Las Bambas" (Heart of Las Bambas), a comprehensive social management model designed to guide the company’s interactions and development initiatives. This innovative model is built upon four fundamental pillars: multi-actor relationship management, business growth and development, and the robust management of social risks and impacts.
"We are working on strategies that are fully articulated across different areas," Venero explained, highlighting the integrated nature of their approach. "From the outset, exploration, business development, and long-term planning teams incorporate social criteria to evaluate the conditions of the territory and proactively propose development conditions." This proactive integration of social considerations from the initial stages of project planning is a critical differentiator for Las Bambas, demonstrating a commitment to responsible and ethical resource development.
The "Corazón Las Bambas" model moves beyond a reactive approach to social issues, advocating for a proactive and participatory framework. It emphasizes building strong, transparent, and collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations. By fostering open dialogue and shared decision-making, Las Bambas aims to build trust and ensure that its operations contribute positively to the socio-economic fabric of the regions in which it operates.
This integrated approach to sustainability is not merely about mitigating negative impacts; it is about creating shared value. Las Bambas recognizes that the long-term success of its operations is inextricably linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities it serves. By prioritizing social and environmental considerations alongside economic objectives, the company aims to build a more resilient and sustainable business model that generates lasting benefits for all stakeholders. The "Corazón Las Bambas" model is a testament to the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and a catalyst for positive change.
Education Rooted in the Territory: Intercultural Bilingualism in Cotabambas
Reinforcing the importance of culturally relevant education, Saúl Vigil Barreda, Superintendent of Social Management, provided a detailed account of Las Bambas’ efforts in fostering an intercultural bilingual approach in Cotabambas. This initiative recognizes the unique cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the region, integrating the Quechua language, local knowledge, and the active participation of families into the educational process.
"You cannot arrive with a pre-packaged project; instead, it must be developed and constructed with the communities, with the entire educational ecosystem," Vigil asserted, underscoring the collaborative and community-driven nature of their educational programs. This philosophy emphasizes that effective educational interventions are not imposed from the outside but are co-created in partnership with the communities they aim to serve.
Las Bambas’ work in Cotabambas exemplifies a deep respect for indigenous cultures and traditions. By incorporating Quechua language instruction and valuing local knowledge systems, the company is helping to preserve cultural identity while simultaneously equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a globalized world. This approach recognizes that education is most effective when it is relevant to the students’ lives and cultural contexts.
The company’s commitment to this localized educational model involves close collaboration with teachers, parents, community leaders, and educational authorities. This ensures that the curriculum is culturally appropriate, pedagogically sound, and responsive to the specific needs of the students. By fostering an educational environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity, Las Bambas is contributing to the development of well-rounded individuals who are proud of their heritage and prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Implications for the Future of Peruvian Mining
Minera Las Bambas’ active and multifaceted participation at EXPOMINA PERU 2026 signals a clear direction for the future of responsible mining in Peru. The company’s emphasis on gender diversity, long-term educational investment, and the integration of sustainability into core business practices offers a blueprint for an industry that is increasingly expected to deliver not only economic returns but also significant social and environmental value.
The insights shared by Las Bambas’ representatives underscore a growing recognition within the sector that true success is measured not solely by mineral output but by the positive and lasting impact on people and the environment. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, fostering inclusive workplaces, and investing in the human capital of its operational areas, Las Bambas is demonstrating a commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable future for Peru.
The company’s proactive approach to social management, exemplified by the "Corazón Las Bambas" model, highlights the importance of embedding social considerations from the earliest stages of project development. This strategic integration is crucial for building trust, mitigating risks, and ensuring that mining operations contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the territories in which they are located.
As Peru continues to rely on its rich mineral resources, the lessons and best practices showcased by Minera Las Bambas at EXPOMINA PERU 2026 serve as a vital benchmark for the industry. The company’s commitment to holistic development, empowering its workforce, and fostering strong community relationships paves the way for a mining sector that is not only economically prosperous but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. The discussions and initiatives presented by Las Bambas at the expo offer a compelling vision for a mining industry that actively contributes to the well-being of Peru and its people.
