Increase confidence and strengthen gender and citizen participation policies, tasks of the sector on the second day of the Latin American Mining Encounter

Today's session began with the presentation of the first Latin American mining survey developed by Brújula Minera, which revealed the perception of 6,700 people regarding the activity. According to the study, 68% of Latin Americans believe that it is possible to develop it in a responsible and more environmentally friendly way. However, it reflected the challenges that companies have to increase levels of trust, because although they are recognized for the economic contribution they make to most countries, there is still a lack of real acceptance of the operations they carry out. 

 

Later, in the discussion “Implementation of gender equity guidelines in the extractive sector”, international experts presented the challenges that companies have in this matter, given that although the participation of women has been gradually increasing, there are still gaps that can be addressed. by companies with the definition of internal policies and by countries, with the creation of laws that encourage their involvement. PwC and Women in Mining, in 2013 announced that in the United Kingdom, mining companies with greater gender equity are 49% more profitable and 83% more innovative than their counterparts, so the development of these guidelines may be key to the economy of the region.

 

Another highlight of the day was the dialogue on the challenges of citizen participation in mining projects in Latin America. Representatives from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru agreed on the need to implement and / or strengthen spaces for interaction and dialogue between companies in the sector and the communities. It is essential that those who inhabit the areas of influence accompany the exploration and extraction processes from beginning to end and know the benefits derived from these activities. 

 

The great conclusion of this panel is that societies must understand that mining is not an isolated issue to national interests, and that in this sense, it is essential that informed conversations are generated so that they can participate in decision-making and get involved. in the projects of the mining industry in each country.

 

What's Coming: March 4 

 

The opening of the event will be at 8:00 am with the panel "Latin American Mining, vector of development of the region" that will have representatives from Panama, Brazil, Colombia and Chile. Later, there will be the Meeting of mining territories “Competitiveness and sustainability of the regions, where there will be panelists from Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and a spokesperson for the Quechua indigenous community.

 

On the other hand, we will talk about sustainable mining, with the success story of the company Mineros S. A, which was recognized by Corantioquia for using differentiating elements in its production processes and promoting the implementation of good environmental practices.

 

Additionally, the National Mining Agency will talk about the new area allocation model and Tesacon will tell attendees about the latest trends in the implementation of IOT for the mining sector. Positiva will close the day with a conference on successful practices in occupational risk prevention.

 

To participate and be part of the conversation, those interested can connect to www.encuentrodemineria.com