What have been the most notable milestones for Lara Consulting in recent months?

Lara Consulting has distinguished itself through its commitment to unique global projects, particularly in the management and design of tailings storage facilities. Iconic projects with Nexa Resources, Buenaventura, Minsur and Antamina showcase our leadership in this field. Additionally, we have expanded our operations to Chile, Mexico and the United States, maintaining and growing our international client portfolio from Peru. Our workforce has grown to nearly 150 people, and in 2024 we plan to expand further, driven by market demand. We are also about to start our most ambitious project: a laboratory and research center that will serve local and international clients, marking a milestone representing our vision for growth and excellence in service. Despite bureaucratic challenges, we are close to realizing this initiative.

What are the emblematic features of projects with Nexa or Antamina?

Projects with Nexa are noted for their focus on research and technological development to ensure high environmental and social management standards in the combination of tailings storage facilities and dewatering plants. Investment in research and experimental testing has been crucial, given the lack of similar global benchmarks. We have worked with Nexa on these projects for five years. 

Projects with Antamina are similar to those of other mining companies such as Hudbay, Las Bambas, and Cerro Verde, which have production exceeding 100,000 t/d, driving the simplification of mining operations by reducing processing equipment. Equipment is becoming larger because it is not attractive for producers to acquire, for example, 40 units of the same filtering equipment for large-scale tailings management. This challenge encourages suppliers to develop technology for higher tailings tonnages. Thus, Lara Consulting is positioned to learn and apply these advances in our consulting and engineering services. The success of projects like Antamina sets a standard in the industry, attracting clients who seek to replicate these achievements with our support.

Additionally, participation in unique global projects reinforces our reputation and commitment, making us a benchmark in the field. The focus on these projects in Peru highlights a significant shift in the mining industry, with the country becoming a hub for technological innovation. Peru could emerge as a global leader in technology in the years to come.

What technologies or equipment are used in the Nexa and Antamina projects?

Nexa and Antamina are adopting increasingly advanced technologies to address large production tonnage challenges. This has led to the development of more extensive and more efficient equipment, such as the world's largest filter press, operational at the pilot level by Southern Copper in Quebrada Honda. Although equipment for 15,000 t/d for tailings filtering was a technological challenge a few years ago, successful prototypes now handle 10,000 to 12,000 t/d in Peru. This technological evolution has enabled the industrial implementation of these solutions, turning what was once only conceptual into a viable and scalable reality.

Considering the potential environmental and community benefits, how do investors evaluate the more expensive technologies for obtaining drier tailings?

The catastrophic consequences of potential failures in tailings storage facilities justify investment in more expensive technologies for obtaining drier tailings. These failures can result in significant reputational damage for mining companies, with stock prices potentially plummeting and, in some cases, leading to bankruptcy. Therefore, investing in advanced technologies safeguards the company's value and stability. Also, securing facilities can reduce operational costs by lowering insurance premiums and increasing stock value. 

What are Lara Consulting's goals for the second half of 2024 and 2025?

We aim to have our laboratory operational, establishing it as a center of excellence and research for us and our clients. This investment demonstrates our commitment to local investment and development in our country. We are also enhancing our management and administration skills for large projects to tackle future, more significant, and complex initiatives.

Also, equally important, we want to expand our presence in the international market, strengthening relationships and exploring opportunities in other countries. While we contemplate the possibility of establishing offices abroad in the long term, our immediate focus is on consolidating our position in the local market and providing exceptional service to our current and future clients. The pandemic has altered our perspective on the necessity of physical offices everywhere, allowing us to focus on strengthening our operations in Peru.