What are proEXPLO 2017’s main activities and topics of discussion?

The 10th edition of the International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers, proEXPLO 2017, will include sessions on geology and the exploration of copper, gold, silver and polymetallic deposits, as well as on the technological developments applied to exploration, like the use and modelling of remote sensing data, geophysics and geochemistry.

The event will include over 60 presentations and posters and central conferences led by renowned specialists. We will also have short courses and field trips. Finally, the program will also include environmental and social permits, valorization of exploration mining assets, corporate mining matters and financial aspects of the exploration business.

What is your opinion about the current state of the exploration market globally and in Peru?

Since early 2017, we have seen signs of recovery in the worldwide mining exploration sector, and Peru shows a similar trend. Peru has several competitive advantages against other Latin American countries, such as geological potential for different commodities and ore deposit types, competitive legislation, qualified professionals, local service companies with international standards, an organized mining cadastre system and large, unexplored land packages in the country. I am therefore optimistic about the future of mining exploration in Peru.

What can be done to help juniors companies carry out more exploration?

A junior mining company plays an important role in discovering new ore deposits. Unlike most mining companies, who focus on their brownfield or near-mine exploration budgets, junior companies are characterized by their ability to work in remote regions without adequate infrastructure, taking higher risks at an early stage and operating with small and qualified teams at very low operating costs. At present, most junior companies have difficulties to raise funds for their projects and the shortage of funds reduces their activities to exclusively maintain their claims and cover their fixed costs.

The government should simplify and speed up permitting processes, provide more information on social issues and offer tax benefits to exploration companies. Currently, the over-dimensioned environmental regulatory framework for exploration and the absence of government representatives in the remote mining districts before and during the conflicts are the most important concerns for mining companies and investors.

What are the technological advancements in exploration in activities such as geophysics and drilling?

Over the last decades, other extractive and energy industries have made important advances improving technology applied to exploration. The mining industry is facing a similar transformation now, where technology is an important factor in the success of future exploration. For example, having deeper resolution in geophysics methodologies and improving drilling techniques, the land with potential will double, including areas with an important traditional exploration history.

At the “Technology applied to mineral exploration” session at proEXPLO 2017, we will have the participation of well-known professionals in the field of remote sensing processing, modelling of geophysics data applied to mining exploration, hyperspectral technology and other new-tech topics that will add value to exploration projects making them more efficient and less expensive.

What can explorers do to improve the way they handle community relationships?

Exploration companies must realize that the project success depends not only on the technical achievements, but also on the proper management of several other areas, such as corporate social management. In my experience, a good outcome will depend on factors such as having a permanent team at the project, a good understanding of the social context since the early stages of the project, maintaining a proactive dialogue with the community and fulfilling commitments on time and in a proper manner.  As simple as this may sound, most conflicts arise due to the lack of one, or more, of these factors.

It is important to include qualified community relations specialists as project members, who advise on the social aspects to the project manager. This will allow the company to generate a positive relationship with the community and prevent the risk of conflicts or project closure.