Lima, Peru – In a pivotal gathering hosted at the official residence of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, leading figures from Peru’s mining and energy sector convened to strategize for the future. The meeting, organized by the Premios ProActivo committee and the Editorial Board of Revista ProActivo, brought together prominent leaders, executives, and specialists to reflect on the sector’s trajectory and address critical challenges and opportunities. Discussions centered on territorial impact, the integration of international ESG standards, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the vital need to cultivate young talent for the nation’s future.
The event, held in the year leading up to the 2026 Premios ProActivo awards, served as a crucial platform for evaluating the progress and setting the agenda for the coming years. It underscored a collective commitment to fostering sustainable development, responsible resource management, and a robust, innovative future for Peru’s vital mining and energy industries.
Key Discussions and Strategic Imperatives
The core of the discussions revolved around several key imperatives for the Peruvian mining and energy sector:
- Territorial Impact and Community Engagement: A central theme was the profound impact of the industry on the territories where it operates and the imperative for robust community engagement strategies. This includes ensuring that local communities benefit from resource extraction and are active participants in the development process.
- ESG Integration and International Standards: The necessity of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every facet of operations was repeatedly emphasized. This aligns with global trends and ensures Peru’s mining sector remains competitive and responsible on the international stage. The adoption of certifications like Copper Mark and IRMA signifies a move towards more rigorous and verifiable sustainability practices.
- Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation: The rapid evolution of technology, including Artificial Intelligence and digitalization, presents both challenges and immense opportunities. Discussions highlighted the need to embrace these advancements to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation within the sector.
- Talent Development and Future Workforce: A significant concern was the urgent need to strengthen the pipeline of young talent. Attracting, training, and retaining skilled professionals is paramount to addressing the complex challenges and driving the future of the industry.
A Diplomatic Perspective: The Netherlands’ Commitment to Sustainable Resource Management
The esteemed host of the evening, Alexander Kofman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Peru, set a forward-looking tone by emphasizing the strategic importance of Peru’s mineral wealth within global high-value technological chains. He underscored the critical role of Peruvian resources in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, exemplified by Dutch company ASML.
Ambassador Kofman highlighted the need for innovative approaches to water and territorial management, particularly in light of recurring climatic challenges like El Niño. Drawing parallels to the Netherlands’ successful "Room for the River" program, he advocated for integrated, transversal perspectives that go beyond traditional engineering solutions. This program, which involved agreements with small producers in upper regions to temporarily flood their land in exchange for indemnities, demonstrated the value of incorporating diverse viewpoints to mitigate disaster risks.
"Peru possesses exceptional wealth in minerals and critical raw materials," stated Ambassador Kofman. "As mentioned, concerning the Dutch company ASML and global microchip manufacturing, without the components provided by this country, such development would not be possible."
He further elaborated on the importance of co-creation and proactive disaster prevention, stressing that solutions must be holistic and inclusive. "Faced with this challenge, the solution did not come from traditional engineering, but from an external approach: agreeing with small producers in the upper areas for the temporary flooding of their properties in exchange for indemnities… demonstrating the value of incorporating transversal perspectives. The mining industry must consolidate itself as an inspiring benchmark that generates lasting economic alternatives for communities, anticipating the gradual closure of operations."
The Ambassador also cautioned against the limitations of fragmented approaches to water investment, advocating for a comprehensive basin-wide vision and the establishment of inclusive dialogue platforms that actively involve local stakeholders.
The Premios ProActivo: A Decade of Championing Sustainable Initiatives
Miguel Incháustegui, President of the Organizing Committee for Premios ProActivo 2026 and Director of Corporate Affairs at Pan American Silver Peru, provided an overview of the nearly decade-long history of this national award. The initiative aims to recognize and disseminate initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG metrics.
"Basically, what is sought is national recognition of how companies can execute initiatives that generate better territorial development and are aligned with ESG criteria and the Sustainable Development Goals. In this sense, we seek to recognize and disseminate them. By 2026, we have accumulated 676 executed projects that have applied with the objective that the Energy and Mines sector proposes initiatives with a focus on ESG guidelines," explained Incháustegui.
He emphasized that the 2026 theme, "Weaving Alliances to Transform Territories," challenges the industry to forge synergies in both infrastructure and operations. Projects, such as those planned in Cajamarca, aim to accelerate the closure of social gaps and eradicate poverty. Incháustegui highlighted the broad participation from the private sector, academia, and diplomatic missions in the various in-person and hybrid events held in regions like Cusco, Trujillo, and Cajamarca, setting the stage for the historic tenth edition of Premios ProActivo in 2027.
Evolution of Sustainability in Mining: From ODS to Global Certifications
Diego Ortega, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Anglo American Peru, detailed the fundamental transition occurring within the mining industry. He described a shift from solely focusing on ODS and ESG metrics to embracing highly demanding global certifications such as Copper Mark and IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance).
"Previously, sustainability and everything related to ESG criteria were simply seen as a service to the business model, which was based almost exclusively on financial aspects or the ore grade. Nowadays, the challenge is to manage a mine within a much broader ecosystem. This vision is recognized by international certifications like Copper Mark and IRMA, demonstrating that the market rewards these standards. It’s no longer about appearing in a photo or a sustainability report. It is impossible to think about the development of mining-energy businesses without integrating and considering how we will be part of the development of the region that hosts us," asserted Ortega.
He further noted that the development of smart mines and digitalization are key tools for connecting with younger generations and fostering internal innovation within operations. This strategic integration of technology is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and attracting future talent.
Nurturing the Next Generation: The Critical Role of Young Talent
The crucial importance of fostering young talent was a recurring and passionate theme throughout the discussions.
Rosa María Flores-Aráoz, CEO of Kallpa Generación and President of the Organizing Committee for Premios ProActivo 2025, underscored the inspiring impact of the educational component within the sector. "The most inspiring aspect of Premios ProActivo is the impulse given to the award directed at students. When one begins to approach the sector from universities and technical institutes, and sees young people with such passion for learning about the industry and participating in it sustainably, one realizes the great future the country has and all that can be achieved," affirmed Flores-Aráoz.
Mariana Abugattás, Country Manager of Teck Peru, a leader linked to the development of the Zafranal Project and president of the Organizing Committee for Premios ProActivo 2024, stressed the urgency of instilling values of social transcendence in future generations. "Working with young people is sowing for the future, as they will take the baton. Transmitting this knowledge and bringing responsible mining closer to youth is fundamental. If we begin to think collectively about a higher purpose – one that is not limited to the particular interest of a company, but benefits society as a whole – we strengthen a value that still needs to be established in the country," emphasized Abugattás.
This focus on youth development is not merely about training future employees; it’s about cultivating a generation of leaders who understand and prioritize responsible resource management and societal contribution.
Engineering for Resilience and Economic Value
Rafaela Delgado, leader of the ESG Sessions for Premios ProActivo 2026 and General Manager of ARDEL, highlighted the vital role of advanced engineering in territorial protection and the economic valuation of mineral resources.
"For our focus as the Organizing Committee, it is paramount to emphasize how Revista ProActivo and Premios ProActivo have inspired extractive entities to promote development in hydrographic basins. In particular, we must prioritize the management of natural disasters. Natural resources must be exploited opportunely before substitutes emerge. It is necessary to clearly transmit that the private company is the main generator of wealth, while the State administers the collected taxes to provide infrastructure and services," argued Delgado.
Her perspective underscores the symbiotic relationship between private enterprise, resource management, and public service, emphasizing the need for efficient and timely utilization of natural resources while ensuring robust disaster preparedness.
Addressing Global Competitiveness and Talent Retention
Pamela Florián, Country Manager of Hatch, focused her analysis on the challenges of international competitiveness and the retention of qualified professionals in Peru.
"To materialize alliances and execute large-scale projects – such as the seven priority projects in the Ministry of Energy and Mines – the key lies in having the right talent. There is currently intense international competition for qualified mining professionals. Peru is an exporter of talent, but it faces a severe brain drain of trained professionals. To solve complex problems like El Niño or operational mining management, it requires training and retaining technical and management talent," concluded Pamela Florián.
This critical observation points to a significant challenge for Peru’s growth: while the country produces skilled individuals, it struggles to retain them, leading to a deficit in crucial expertise. Addressing this requires strategic investments in professional development, competitive compensation, and fostering an environment where talent can thrive domestically.
The Genesis and Evolution of Premios ProActivo
From the direction of Revista ProActivo, the genesis of Premios ProActivo was detailed, tracing its roots back to the establishment of its Editorial Council in 2003. The award’s evolution from the Millennium Development Goals to the SDGs and ESG frameworks was highlighted, solidifying milestones such as its ESG Week.
"True productivity is not brute force or simple extraction, but doing more with the same resources. Today we gather with the purpose of looking at tomorrow. We are in an era of change where Artificial Intelligence and new technologies are transforming the sector. We seek to sustain a brainstorming session to project the tenth edition with a solid future perspective," stated during the intervention.
The speaker also emphasized the urgency of promoting deep human capital formation, establishing advanced data centers, and continuing the legacy of Professor Baltazar Caravedo and Brazilian researcher Roberto Villas Boas in integrating the social variable into extractive industries. This vision connects the immediate operational needs with long-term societal integration.
A Collaborative Endeavor for a Sustainable Future
The day’s proceedings also included contributions from Vanessa Muñoz, Critical Minerals Officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Daniel Cámapa, President of the Organizing Committee for Premios ProActivo 2023; and Viviann Arauzo, President of the Communicators Committee. Notable attendees also included María Alejandra Delgado, Richard Stoddart, Jerry Rosas, and Rebeca Ampudia, whose collective efforts underscore the commitment of all stakeholders within the organization.
The gathering concluded with a reaffirmation of the multi-actor commitment to consolidating territorial governance, technological advancement, and sustainable development in anticipation of the historic tenth edition of the Premios ProActivo awards. This unified resolve signals a strong commitment to shaping a responsible and prosperous future for Peru’s vital mining and energy sectors.
