ORICA BRASIL
Complete portfolio for blasting and explosives
GRAN COLOMBIA GOLD
Investing in safety translates into higher efficiency
CALIBRE MINING
Nicaragua’s partner earns the leadership in gold exports
MINING AND IOT
Managing Director
Jassen Pintado
Creative Director
Omar Rodríguez
Editor in Chief
Rafael Tablado
Editor in Brasil
Flavia Brancato
Translations
María Murgui
Finance Director
Christina Schoch
Social Media Director
Maria Elena Gastelum
Content Coordinator
Alicia Barrantes
Project Directors
Ana Macfarland
David Alarcon
Giuseppe Modenesi
Lucy Verde
Marcelo Modenesi
October 2021
We are always thrilled to deliver special editions. This time around we are publishing an entire edition about the mining sector, important to everything that makes our everyday lives easier, and -as with every other industry- also affected by the global pandemic’s consequences.
Our cover is graced by Jaime Zúñiga, CEO for Minera Boroo Misquichilca, which recently acquired the highly productive Lagunas Norte mine in Peru.
From Colombia, we’re featuring Carbomas along with Gran Colombia Gold, both thriving forces in each of their production and exploration operations along the country’s territory,
displaying recent investments in underground machinery.
Also in South America, Australian multinational Orica offers its entire catalogue in Brazil, contributing to the country’s mining sector with explosives and detonation solutions.
Up north, Calibre Mining has become an important partner for Nicaragua, making the most from its leadership for gold obtention and exports from the Central American country, besides its important contributions to surrounding communities.
Thanks for reading and sharing our 2021 mining special!
Mateo Rafael Tablado, Editor in Chief at The Boston Business Review
Email: rafael.tablado@thebostonbr.com
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16.
Operational standards increasing mining value in Peru 30.
Increasing productivity and reducing risks in every blast
60. 44. Highly productive operation in gold and silver obtention
Gold standards for mining in Nicaragua
82. Highly productive operation in gold and silver obtention
Digital transformation within the mining industry has resulted in more productivity and also reduced costs and risk exposure
The interconnection between electronic devices and common use objects to data networks currently implies plenty of everyday tasks. It is already possible to adjust home air conditioning remotely with the hardware’s app in a mobile device, and in the same way we can monitor our home’s wireless surveillance cameras and receive movement sensor alerts.
In different industries, depending on the business sector and its customary tasks, automation between machinery and programmed processes managed remotely is happening since a few years ago, delivering results such as:
• Improving safety and reducing risk exposure both for personnel and equipment
• Transitioning from preventive
maintenance and repairs to predictive maintenance
• Cost optimization and increased productivity
• More and better processes supporting decision-making
Besides the multiple professions mining gathers from for its operations, it has now grown a demand for IT specialists. According to GlobalData’s employment database, between July and October 2021 there were 597 jobs related to the Internet of Things (IoT) offered in the mining industry, and 540 of those jobs have been taken, for a 90.45% of positions filled.
Companies such as Anglo American, Caterpillar, Eaton, Flowserve, Komatsu, Nexans and Rio Tinto, among others, are the ones offering the most jobs in which IoT is key for everyday operations.
Besides the multiple professions mining gathers from for its operations, it has now grown a demand for IT specialists
Interconnected equipment used in mining for remote work includes from heavy load vehicles and automated trains -both driverless- conveying obtained minerals to devices with small sensors transmitting accurate data for decision-making in processes that result in less costs and increased safety.
Orica , the multinational Australian explosive and blasting system supplier, offers cloud-based solutions supported by apps, delivering useful data to determine the quantity of explosives needed for a specific detonation according to rocks’ hardness and results from previous detonations, among other information. Caterpillar, on its behalf, offers automation and remote operation solutions both for fleets and individual equipment through their MineStar™
Solutions line and also zero emissions vehicles such as the automated 793 model.
Infosys, the multinational IT company, shared data about some of the most outstanding operations in which processes based on IoT, clud, AI and cybersecurity have delivered solid results:
• Koodaideri (now known as Gudai-Darri), is an Australian-based Rio Tinto operation where the first intelligent mine has been established, powered by an hybrid system consisting of solar energy and carbonderived fuel. Most of its processes are operated and designed from a
command center in Perth, including the routes for heavy load vehicles, trains and autonomous drill rigs in mines and loading zones. In 2019, the first automated heavy load rail system was built at this site; the AutoHaul™ features automatic response for speed reduction, starts and stops,
Beyond tangible contributions in mining, there have been challenges which will certainly be surpassed through new tech developments
eliminating taking drivers to the mining site. The only factor affecting the more than $2.6 billion investment is scarce workforce, for which iron ore shipments have been postponed to 2022.
• Casa Berardi mine belongs to Hecla Mining and is located in Quebec, where open pit and underground operations are carried out to obtain gold and silver. Hecla partnered with Newtrax to monitor their machinery and its stoppage.
As a result, machinery use has been optimized through real-time diagnostics reducing its stoppage time, thus increasing production and experiencing an average extra hour per day of active operation. In 2020, the Casa Berardi mine produced 121,493 oz. in gold (at cash cost) and
by the close of 2021 production is expected to reach between 128,000 and 132,000 oz.
• Borden (at Porcupine mine, Canadá) is being operated by Goldcorp, which partnered with Cisco, and from 2018 and on, additional adjustments to their EV fleet and their solar energy system were performed, installing fans with sensors in the underground mine, which improved energy efficiency with remote operation, reducing work stoppage due to lack of ventilation. Results have also reduced the air quantity that had to be pumped into the mine from 1.2 million cubic feet per minute to 650,000 cfm. It’s not hard to deduct that electricity consumption in this project has been reduced in half, while obviously reducing costs.
• Glencore, on its behalf, partnered also with Newtrax in 2016 to install sensors for its mobile machinery at the Matagami zinc mine. Data provided by interconnected equipment has resulted in a better understanding of its performance, thus achieving greater productivity.
Each ore mineral load has increased from an average of 55 up to 60 tons.
Beyond tangible contributions since IoT has been deployed into mining operations, there have been challenges which will certainly be surpassed in the future through new
tech developments.
It must be noted that underground mining implies limitation in connectivity with wireless networks as operations run deeper from the surface. Also, mineral deposits in remote areas can hardly access 3G and 4G connectivity, much less 5G
internet, which is required to move vehicles and other objects from a remote location.
Nevertheless, these are the kind of obstacles that spark the big developments in tech required to continuously bring value into mining.
Lagunas Norte Mining Unit, in Peru
Minera Boroo Misquichilca is the Asian mining company’s first venture into Latin America. Its know-how has enabled Laguna Norte to increase its production in gold and other minerals
Produced
by
Jassen Pintado
Intervewee
Jaime Zúñiga Ide, General Manager for Minera Boroo
Misquichilca
Minera Boroo Misquichilca
Boroo is a multicultural company operating in Central Asia and South America, it was previously known as the OZD Asia Pte Ltd. holding. It’s main activity is the acquisition, development and operation of gold producing properties, worldwide.
Boroo is result-centered and employee-oriented. The company’s portfolio is made up of important assets, globally, some well into production processes and others in an exploration phase.
into Latin America via Lagunas Norte, in Peru
Boroo acquired the Lagunas Norte mining unit and its projects in the Peru Northern Sierra, becoming Minera
Boroo Misquichilca as a legal entity.
The operation is focused on long-term value generation for its stakeholders, besides taking part in the sustainable development of its strategic partners, such as the company’s personnel, contributing companies and the communities where the mining company operates.
Another key factor in Minera Boroo Misquichilca is staff management. The company relies on development programs to detect and develop those with a future in leadership roles.
“I’ve been able to confirm that every successful company is based on staff management,” said Jaime Zúñiga Ide, General Manager of Minera Boroo Misquichilca.
Knowledgeable leadership with multicultural experience Zuñiga graduated as a Chemical
“
I have big
ambitions
and plans for Minera Boroo Misquichilca,
such as turning our business into a world class company
“
- Jaime Zúñiga Ide, General Manager for Lagunas Norte - Minera Boroo Misquichilca
Engineer at the Federico Santa María Technical University (in Chile). His apprenticeship included different leadership-related subjects, including an MBA from the Adolfo Ibáñez University (Chile) and the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (China), as well as the Management Development Program at the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School.
Zúñiga’s working experience has taken place all over the continent, as his career has led him to Chile, his home country, and also Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the US, gathering a multicultural understanding which has proved to be useful, businesswise.
“I have big ambitions and plans for Minera Boroo Misquichilca, such as turning our business into a world class company,” Zúñiga explained.
When Boroo acquired Lagunas Norte, the mine was in a care and maintenance stage with gold and silver production through secondary leaching.
The mine, which has a positive reputation in gold production, is destined to become a world class operation, and, once being part of Boroo, the company’s goal is to value the current high mining potential, from which significant growth could be achieved.
Beyond the current state of care and maintenance Lagunas Norte is undergoing, production continues through secondary leaching, resulting in doré bars -a mixture of gold and silver-.
“In parallel, we are working on projects to optimize and value more
Experience
Boroo’s work stands out for its success after acquiring mines in care and maintenance status, and afterwards extending their useful life, adding value to these assets by optimizing mineral resources, capital investments and human resources.
Among other traits, Boroo operates with efficiency, innovation, operational excellence, disciplined allocation of capital, environmental and social management, as well as responsible governance, as well as a working environment in which personnel have easy access to learn new skills, knowledge and gather the necessary experience to prosper.
Suppliers must align with Minera Boroo Misquichilca’s three fundamental principles:
“All of our suppliers are important and we consider them strategic mineral resources within the mining unit,” the executive added.
Minera Boroo Misquichilca relies on local sourcing. The company is committed to the development of local businesses, contributing not only to the development of their leadership abilities, but also to help them increase their clientele and the number of different industries they serve, thus becoming sustainable businesses.
• People’s safety
• Care for the environment
• Working along surrounding communities
“
“ We are working on projects to optimize and value more mineral resources
- Jaime Zúñiga Ide, General Manager for Lagunas Norte - Minera Boroo Misquichilca
Operation, Maintenance and AssetManagementServices for theMining,EnergyandHydrocarbonsIndustry.
We have a human talent of over 6000 employees in Latin America, a highly experienced team with a broad knowledge in all of the sectors where we provide our services.
Safety, Innovation, Reliability andan Ethical mindset are part ofour commitment to Value that we offer ineach oneofour services. We are looking forward to Partnering with you.
comercial@confipetrol.pe www.confipetrol.com PERÚ - LIMA Av. Santo Toribio 173, Torre Real 8 – P10 Centro Empresarial, San Isidro Lima – Perú + [51 1] 7106100
Minera Boroo Misquichilca
partners whom we value for their commitment to fulfill our goals,” Zúñiga declared.
One of Boroo’s most important contributions to the Lagunas Norte operation is its solid health and safety culture, which in 2020 achieved the best indexes in these subjects since operations began in 2005.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minera Boroo Misquichilca became one of the first companies in the area to deploy prevention, surveillance and control protocols, making its personnel’s health and safety a priority.
Also, Boroo is the only mining company among a 20 Northern Peru businesses alliance, which installed a modern molecular biology laboratory to ease access and response time of PCR-type tests for the population of the entire La Libertad region and the company’s workers.
“Health and safety for everyone working in our mining unit is top priority,” the general manager commented.
Contributions to the community Boroo is constantly bringing a positive impact in the economy of its surrounding communities as well as in the countries where the company operates, in a way that the company’s vision in the present becomes a reality in the future.
One of the company’s goals is to become a reliable partner able to unleash all the benefits of extracted minerals, contributing both to those investing in its discovery and production as well as for stakeholders.
Boroo’s portfolio currently includes both advanced and early stage projects; permits for the latter are being obtained as well as those required to extend Lagunas Norte’s useful life, after planning a mine
Minera Boroo Misquichilca
expansion which will receive important investments which will allow to increase ore reserves progressively, thus fulfilling growth goals with support from the company’s experienced team.
Mid-term goals include improvements to optimize the current secondary leaching operation, the development of a project for gold recovery from carbonaceous oxide ore through the Carbon Material Oxides Project (CMOP).
For the long term, the company plans the development of a gold recovery from sulphide ore project, through the Refractory Material Project (PMR).
All of these plans require investments for the acquisition of new operation and processing infrastructure.
“We wish to close 2021 fulfilling all of our goals regarding people’s health and safety, caring for the environment and strengthening our relationships with neighboring communities, as well as achieving our production objectives,” finalized Jaime Zúñiga Ide, General Manager for Lagunas Norte - Minera Boroo Misquichilca.
and reducing risks in every blast
Orica delivers avant-garde blast and explosives solutions to the Brazilian market, mainly benefitting the mining industry by increasing its productivity and delivering higher safety standards
Orica is the worldwide leader in production and distribution of blasting and initiation systems, besides providing other solutions, from cyanide production for gold extraction to cutting-edge technology in digital solutions and other blasting services, contributing to a safe, efficient and responsible resource extraction and monitoring. The company dates back to 1874, as a supplier for Australian goldfields. After more than 146 years in business, Orica has presence in more than 100
countries, providing jobs for more than 13,000 employees, of which more than 200 are tech specialists, making Orica the number one commercial explosive supplier worldwide.
“We are a community of engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, business specialists and on-site personnel working together to support our clients day in and day out,” commented Diego Vallim, Country Manager for Orica Brazil.
Diego Vallim has been in charge of Orica Brazil since 2021, after joining the company in 2016 as Senior Sourcing Manager for Latin America,
“We are a community of specialists working together to support our clients”
- Diego Vallim, Country Manager, Orica Brazil
being based in Chile. Vallim took part in a Management Leadership Program and was selected for this position afterwards. The acquisition of Peruvian company Exsa by Orica, a $200 million operation, is listed among his recent accomplishments.
His education includes an MBA, among other courses in Brazil and abroad. Before joining Orica, Vallim also held leadership positions for companies in the automotive and mining industries.
Orica’s presence in Brazil dates back to the 1980s. In Brazil, the company currently offers its entire solutions and product portfolio for blasting, from initiation systems and emulsions to high-end technology
to design safe blasts. Other services such as risk-reducing geotechnical monitoring are provided by the GroundProbe™ division.
Orica serves the mining industry in Brazil, mainly for iron and gold extraction, as well as for other basic metals and quarries, besides offering solutions to construction and oil & gas industries.
The company relies on its production plants within the country, where initiation systems and emulsions are produced, and it’s also supported by a wide supply network covering clients in all of the Brazilian territory.
“We are known for our safety culture and for our skills to create value through products and technology, but mainly for our staff’s capabilities,” Vallim pointed out.
Being the global leader in blasting and explosives for the mining and construction sectors implies that every new product made available by Orica does not follow any path previously travelled, but rather becomes a trendsetting innovation in the industry, capable of disrupting the way any specialized task has been performed. The most outstanding solutions among the company’s latest development are:
• WebGen™: This wireless initiation system avoids the use of down-lines and connecting wires. Its reach gets the signal through rocks, air and water, resulting in safe, reliable blasts without risking any injury to staff, increasing productivity and reducing costs. WebGen™ is SIL3certified (Safety Integrity Level), and is the only commercial explosive with the highest security grade.
• Avatel™: A digitized underground charging system designed to initiate blasts from a safe cabin, reducing exposure to any harm. Avatel™ was created in collaboration with Epiroc, another leading company in mining machinery.
• GroundProbe: This division recently developed RAR (real aperture radar) and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) devices, able to monitor slope stability, the GMS robotic station for prism monitoring, the GML for convergence monitoring in underground mining, and the RGRVelox (reactive geohazard radar) for reactive monitoring and alarming for tailings dam breaches.
The Design For Outcome system offers a comprehensive digital solution to gather and manage data, previous blast results as well as rock and ore
properties to use with predictive algorithms, delivering possible outcomes and determining the quantity of explosives to use in each procedure depending on expected results.
Design For Outcome is enhanced when paired with the BlastIQ™ cloudbased platform, which manages the stored data from blasts and perforation, easing integration with
electronic initiation systems such as I-kon III, the most advanced in its kind, able to optimize small and large scale blast times, automatically generating blast sequence reprogramming, increasing reliability under severe weather conditions and able to reduce blast delays.
One of the most important aspects
for Orica, globally, is its R&D department, which receives annual investments for more than $50 million, where more than 60 data analysts come up with the newest solutions with latest-generation technology, setting goals such as reducing personnel exposure to any risk during blasts, operational excellence as well as maintaining and improving global sustainability standards.
Orica has factories and development centers worldwide, which brings flexibility and other advantages to its supply chain and logistics, which benefit also from partnerships with clients and suppliers.
All of these factors enable the company to guarantee the availability of the most advanced solutions in Brazil, delivering the best execution
and safety in blasting, globally, after more than 100 year-experience in different kinds of mining operations worldwide.
“The latest solutions in blasting and slope monitoring are within our reach, thrusting Brazil into the forefront of the world’s mining industry,” declared the executive.
The restrictions and consequences derived from the COVID19 pandemic resulted in a testing time for Orica Brazil’s resilience and adaptability.
Many of the duties required to complete essential activities supplied by the company must be carried on site, and these are performed by more than half of the staff. In the same way, such unusual conditions allowed for a complete overview of company procedures, thus accelerating the
“We are known for our safety culture and for our skills to create value, but mainly for our staff’s capabilities”
automation and digitization strategy, thrusting new practices such as remote assistance through AR (augmented reality).
Orica focuses on inclusion and diversity strategies, a subject in which
there have been tangible results, but still with so much to accomplish. 33% of leadership positions for Orica in Latin America are held by women, while in graduate programs this grows to 50%. Also, 35% of positions in charge of different squads are held by women. There’s still room to grow in
Technologies and data integration offered by
field positions, though Orica Brazil proudly hired the first MMU female driver.
For the foreseeable future, Orica plans to get into a certain scenario
whose path to reach it requires effort through resources in the company’s hands.
Orica’s purpose is to generate value and allow its disruptive solutions to evolve, such as WebGen™ technology, GroundProbe™ radars, and the BlastIQ™ digital platform,
“The
latest solutions in blasting and slope monitoring are within our reach, thrusting Brazil into the forefront of the world’s mining industry”
- Diego Vallim, Country Manager, Orica Brazil
delivering increased safety and productivity through these solutions.
Also, strengthening its industrial presence in Brazil and the rest of Latin America to optimize its supply chain in the territory, and capitalizing on what this represents regarding raw material and finished products management, contributing to make Orica become a strategic partner for its clients.
FOUNDED: 1874 (in Australia)
INDUSTRY: Mining
WEBPAGE: www.orica.com
TEL: (+55) 12 214 1300
EMAIL: diego.vallim@orica.com
Produced by Jassen Pintado Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado
Vice-President
A series of investments resulting in efficiency and improved safety are key factors to place Gran Colombia Gold along the most important gold and silver mining operations in its territory
Gran Colombia Gold is a company with origins in Canada whose main goal is gold and silver prospecting and extraction. Since 2010, the company’s run has allowed its consolidation as a reliable business with stability and responsibility toward its main operations in Colombia.
Gran Colombia Gold’s work in recent years has experienced high production levels. Just in 2018, the company surpassed 200,000 oz. production for the very first time, increasing by 25% the previous year’s accomplishments. In 2019, production reached 240,000 oz. of gold, besides a cash balance of $84 million by December, 2019.
Besides the Colombian operation, the company also has assets and investments in Canada and Guyana,
both in exploration and extraction phases. Gran Colombia Gold is listed in the Toronto Stock Exchange. These and other achievements make Gran Colombia Gold the most important gold and silver extraction company in Colombia.
Angel Meza is the vice-president of mines for Gran Colombia Gold. He graduated as a mining engineer from Central Peru National University (UNCP) in the higher average class. Meza also earned an MBA from Centrum, the business school of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP); and in 2019 finished a master’s in International Leadership from the EADA Business School (School for High Management, Spain).
Meza has developed his mining experience in areas such as
exploration, perforation, explosive demolitions and mining project management. Work has taken him to Retamas, Minas Buenaventura, Barbastro (a subsidiary of Minsur), Los Quenales and Perubar (both of the Glencore group), Minera Aruri and Tamboraque mine, all of these
in Peru; and also to Kamoto Copper Co. and Katanga Mining, both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. Meza is also an international speaker and consultant in mining, taking part in these activities in Peru, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.
We are a Colombian Company with qualified experience, consisting of several business units, specialized in engineering, construction and project development.
H.D.S.T.M COLOMBIA SAS desires to become recognized nationally and internationally as a leading company in management and engineering in the mining and construction industries by being successful in project execution with a high degree of responsibility in safety and the environment
Expansion of the mining project in de-quilling processes, installation of metal arches, concrete launching, reinforcement with helical bolts and electro-welded mesh in Gran Colombia Gold Minas Carla –ProvidenciaSilencio and Sandra K
Construction of Apique in rock types IV and V on the Bieniawski scale, installation of metal arches with 28 MPa reinforced concrete
Construction of Bocamina access for the entry of personnel and materials for the Sandra K mine in the Gran Colombia Gold mine
The
path we’ve been on has allowed us consolidation as a reliable business with stability
and
responsibility
- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines for Gran Colombia Gold
Gran Colombia Gold’s main activity is carried out in the Segovia and Remedios municipalities, both in the northwest of the Department of Antioquia, in central Colombia. The company has also grown by acquisition, after purchasing the old
Frontino Gold Mines company from the Colombian government, as well as those in Segovia, Remedios, and also the El Zancudo mine, located in Titiribi (Antioquia) between 2009 and 2010. Gold production from the company averages 17,000 to 20,000 oz. of gold, monthly, delivering a yearly average
of 200,000 and 220,000 oz., and achieving a 220,194 oz. production in 2020.
During 2021, Gran Colombia Gold’s efforts have been destined toward the exploration of three gold deposits: in southern Cali (in the Cauca Valley), Marmato (Department of Caldas) and Segovia (northeastern Antioquia).
One of the latest findings for Gran Colombia Gold is the Sandra K mine, in Segovia. Currently, levels 6 and 7 of the 7-level facility are being
furnished with important investments: an elevator has already been installed, easing the tasks of 506 workers (374 part of the company staff and 132 from outside contractors), avoiding a 935-step staircase after a $1.6 million injection, reducing the run across the stairs to four minutes, delivering a positive impact in time, productivity and -mostly- the workers’ safety.
Other investments have been made at Sandra K to obtain underground machinery and equipment with a $1.5 million budget, resulting in the acquisition of a Sandvik DD210 drill rig, a Sandvik LH307 low profile LHD (load haul dump) and a 15 ton Aramine truck for underground operations. This investment also considered the required training in heavy mining equipment for the staff dispatched at Sandra K.
enabling technology in our operations in all fronts,” Meza declared.
“Constant improvement is in Gran Colombia Gold’s DNA, as well as
Maintaining its staff’s wellbeing and safety is a top priority for Gran Colombia Gold, after investing in the installation of underground refuge chambers for every operation. Since 2017, more than $1 million has been used for the construction of four refuge chambers in Segovia and Remedios. At the El Silencio mine, a 40-person refuge has been recently deployed as an addition to the three previous refuge chambers in the El Silencio, Providencia and Sandra K mines, each with a capacity to host up to 60 persons for up to 72 hours. And currently, research is being conducted to consider deploying a fifth refuge chamber in the El Silencio mine which would have capacity for 100 persons. It must be noted that underground
mayors, communities, NGOs and the private sector
- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines for Gran Colombia Gold
refuge chambers in every Gran Colombia Gold mining site are built under high global mining standards, such as those observed by the MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration, from the US), besides complying with the Safety Regulations for Underground Mining Labors -part of Decree 1886 from Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy-, and with regulations from the National Mining Agency.
A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIER NETWORK
Gran Colombia Gold’s success and leadership in gold and silver mining in its territory is supported by a vast network of purveyors which includes brands known worldwide as well as domestic companies. The network includes Colombiana de Distribuciones Mayoristas de Antioquia, Distribuidora de Químicos Industriales, Eléctricos de Colombia,
Gran Colombia Gold operates under global standards and compliance with local regulations
Eléctricas de Medellín (EDEMSA), Epiroc, Explomín, Ferrocortes, IG
Representaciones, Kaeser, Sandvik
Colombia and Synergy Supplies, among others.
Also, Gran Colombia Gold works hand in hand with local companies near their operations, incorporating them to its supplier network.
Collaboration with these companies is a labor source for more than 4,000 workers.
Gran Colombia Gold carries different community outreach programs, each one facing different subjects and problems, and each of them aligned
Women’s empowerment is not just a CSR subject, it’s common practice at Gran Colombia Gold
to the United Nations’ development goals.
The “Small Mining Productive Incorporation” initiative has allowed the affiliation of more than 2,500 miners, besides combating illegal mining and contributing to the environment. On its behalf, “Education for Development” is a program focused on refurbishment of schools in different areas and also on developing learning programs along with the “Angelitos de Luz” foundation,
providing scholarships and benefitting more than 180,000 inhabitants with a $2 million investment.
Efforts to bring the gender gap closer are addressed by the “Entrepreneurial Women in Leadership”, which offers training for different skills, benefitting women in areas surrounding Gran Colombia Gold’s operations.
To these and other health, cultural and environmental campaigns, the company also adds more than
www.grancolombiagold.com.co
angel.Meza@grancolombiagold.com.co
$3 million investments to improve and create new roads, benefitting transit in these territories.
“We highlight the positive impact created by alliances among government agencies, local mayors, communities, NGOs and the private sector,” Meza pointed out.
The future for Gran Colombia Gold will rely on the support and infrastructure to achieve goals such as reaching a leadership position in the underground mining sector worldwide at profitable costs.
At the domestic level, the company’s intention is to contribute to the country’s economic recovery in collaboration with neighboring communities and local governments, keeping a lasting, stable relationship with its stockholders to strengthen its position among society and reach the top ten list of the most productive mines in the territory, with reserves of one million oz. of gold through sustainable practices.
Assertive efforts able to increase value in production and within surrounding communities take Calibre Mining into a leading gold producer in Nicaragua
Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining
Calibre Mining is a Canadian company with corporate headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating in Nicaragua. The company trades in the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CXB).
The company’s executive leadership is formed by an outstanding group of individuals with decades worth of experience not only in mining but also in public companies. The group’s successful precedents include the sale of seven mining companies in transactions amounting to more than $5 billion.
“We are focused on generating sustainable value for the long term for shareholders, the communities we operate in and every party of interest,” said Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining.
Salopera earned a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Latin American Studies and Social Studies from the University of Helsinki (Finland), besides taking part in postgraduate studies in Community Relations at the University of Queensland (Australia).
Salopera’s experience has taken him to executive positions in mining companies such as BHP and NewmontGoldcorp (both in Chile), Rio Tinto (Peru) and Newcrest (Ecuador).
Besides mining, Salopera has also been involved in academics and NGOs in Europe and Latin America, focusing on environmental, community, sustainability and media matters, besides government relations.
“Mining and its potential for positive, sustainable change generation is one of the subjects that I’m most passionate about,” commented the executive.
- Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining
REGIONAL LEVEL CLIENTS
• Constructora Meco • Lafarge-Holcim • Cemex
• Constructora Santa Fe • Calibre Mining • Argos
• Minerales de Occidente • Cementos del Norte • Mina Mochito • • Traesa • Macoma • Pedregal • Azvi • La Cantera
EXPLOTEC COSTA RICA
2 km al Oeste del Ebais de Volio, San Ramón, Alajuela (506) 2456-0000 infocr@explotec.net explotec@explotec.net
EXPLOTEC EL SALVADOR
San Salvador, Colonia San Mateo, Avenida Montevideo #9L
(503) 2223-8412 / 7069-1363 infoslv@explotec.net rfunes@explotec.net
EXPLOTEC NICARAGUA
Edicio Kakau, 7mo piso, módulos A-704 y A-705. (505) 2293-9470 / 8930-4271
laguilar@explotec.net infonic@explotec.net
- Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining
Calibre’s production in Nicaragua currently generates 36% of the country’s exports in gold. And in 2020 only, Calibre’s expenditures paid nearly $200 million in the country among operational expenses, employee salaries and benefits, capital expenses as well as in direct investments contributing to wellbeing and education in communities where the company operates in, while creating more than 3,000 positions for direct and indirect
labor, and counting with 98% of Nicaraguan nationals on its staff. Not bad for a company that arrived in the country in 2009 whose main operations were mining exploration, near the country’s Caribbean coast, mainly.
“Nicaragua has a mining tradition; we’ve always stated that the country has well established, clear laws regulating the mining industry,” Salopera declared.
In 2019, Calibre acquired assets
in Nicaragua from B2Gold. This transaction included La Libertad (in Chontales) and El Limón mines; currently, both locations are goldproducing sites. Also, the company owns the Pavón and Eastern Borosi (EBP) projects, which imply a significant contribution to the companies’ operations in Nicaragua.
Calibre also acquired several exploration concessions, and in March 2020 the company signed an agreement along with Rio Tinto
Exploration with the purpose of increasing investments in different mining projects within Nicaragua.
Calibre Mining’s operational model is run under the “Hub and Spoke” scheme: extracting minerals from different sites to be carried into processing plants which sum a processing capacity of 2.7 million tons per year, which allows to ramp up production rapidly and with low costs, delivering long-term value for shareholders.
This combination allows reinvestment for exploration in emerging areas.
Calibre Mining uses up to 97% of recycled water in production processes through tailings dams, which are built with waterproof materials to avoid residuals being in contact with the ground or groundwaters.
Tailings storage facilities include piezometers to measure residuals in tailings and embankments.
“As a company, we are focused on a sustainable performance with disciplined growth,” the executive pointed out.
In 2020, Calibre mining invested $58.6 million in purchases. The company is conveniently supported by Bertling Logistics, Canchanya Ingenieros, Casa Pellas, Empremar,
“Mining and its potential for positive, sustainable change generation is one of the subjects that I’m most passionate about”
- Petri Salopera, Vicepresidente de Sostenibilidad en Calibre Mining
Calibre Mining directs efforts toward sustainable operations and contributes toward operating in sustainable communities
Explotec, Grupo Santa Fe, Kal Tire, NIMAC and Puma Energy, among other companies.
Every Calibre Mining supplier, either big or small, is aligned with the company’s standards about ethics and care for the environment. Calibre also has supplier development programs either for key suppliers countrywide or local suppliers in each site, with the latter group being managed by the Local
Purchases Task Force.
The Directive Committee for Local Content was established in 2020 and is in charge of supervision, revision, approval and support of strategies based in each site.
During 2020, the entire staff at Calibre Mining was subject to safety training sessions focused in each different area, pointing out possible
The staff at Calibre Mining is subject to rigorous training sessions for safety and risk exposure
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dangers and risk exposure, besides spreading safety regulations for each aspect.
Nine other specialized technical safety trainings were added, accomplishing goals beyond the basic requirements.
Consequences deriving from de COVID-19 pandemic also affected the mining industry, and Calibre Mining adapted to the new conditions after a temporary halt to activity during April 2020.
Top priority for operations under these new conditions has been the safety and wellbeing of company employees; for this purpose, Calibre Mining developed and implemented 17 new biosecurity protocols.
“This brought a positive impact in our staff and we have been allowed to operate without having to halt our operations again since,” Salopera added.
Caring for the environment and company efforts in surrounding communities are an important part of Calibre Mining’s success.
Since 2020, the company has held multiple meetings with different groups such as native communities, among others, which are aware of the company’s responsible operations firsthand. All of these interactions take place under the best global practices carried out by Calibre and under the company’s Native Communities Standards, besides being in contact
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“The country has well established, clear laws regulating
- Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining
with the Regional Governments of the North and South Caribbean Coast.
The company operates under Nicaraguan regulations, besides carrying out practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), publishing its first Sustainable Development Report. It’s also worth mentioning that in August 2020, the company joined the World Gold Council (WGC). As members of this organization, we share a unified vision of our responsibility in securing a
sustainable gold mining industry based on a deep understanding of gold’s role in society, today and in coming years.
“The goal is delivering value for our groups of interest in a responsible way through innovative management focused on participation,” declared the executive.
• In the Pavón Mine (located in Rancho Grande, Matagalpa), Calibre Mining partnered with the CEN
Calibre Mining’s production contributes to more than 30% of Nicaragua’s gold exports
environmental organization (Center for Understanding with Nature) to join environmental, social and economic goals within this site.
• In the El Limón Mine, the company co-financed a campaign from the Ministry of Health, benefitting 5,055 residents from El Limón and surroundings, reducing risk of infections from diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
• After damages caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, Calibre Mining created a humanitarian aid fund along with local authorities and NGOs, helping vulnerable communities in the Rosita, Siuna, Bonanza, Rancho Grande, El Tuma-La Dalia, El Cua and San José de Bocay communities.
• In Rancho Grande, the company built a new educational center for the Yahosca Arriba community,
The company is also involved in other exploration projects, some of them along strategic partners
with improved infrastructure -including solar panels-, benefitting more than 40 students.
Toward the end of 2021, gold production from Calibre Mining is projected to reach between 170,000 and 180,000 oz.
Previously, with the purpose of creating a mid-level gold mining company, in 2020 Calibre joined the
WGC, with the duty of complying with the Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMP) from this entity. The company is already directing efforts to align with these regulations, as well as with the International Council on Mining and Metals Principles, besides its commitment to comply with efforts aligned to the UN’s SDGs.
It’s projected that the company will be taking three years to totally comply
www.cis.com.pe
Canchanya Ingenieros S.R.L. Peruvian company, established in 1993, specializing in the execution of works and comprehensive managementof underground and open-pit mining operations.
Telephone Nicaragua: +505 7516 1796
Telephone Peru: +511 995723074
contactos@cis.com.pe
with RGMP, current efforts to fulfill this goal include identifying areas of improvement as well as those that are already aligned with such standards.
Other purposes for Calibre Mining include reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the mid-term.
“We keep our goal of interacting in an open, respectful way to continue contributing in a positive, constructive manner to improve people’s living conditions,” finalized Petri Salopera, Vice-President of Sustainability at Calibre Mining.
Produced by Jassen Pintado
Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado
Interviewee Víctor Flórez, Mining General Manager for Carbomas
Carbomas operates in strategic locations which facilitate the exportation of its coke mineral products, besides optimizing its production by investing on equipment and developing its workforce.
Carbomas’ business consists in the exploration, extraction and commercialization of minerals. Such activities are developed through its brands Carbomas and Metalmax.
The company was created by a business group formed in 2015 in the Department of North Santander, Colombia.
“As a business group, we are currently known as the largest producer of ultra-low phosphorus coke in Colombia”, pointed out Víctor Flórez Mejía, Carbomas Mining National Manager.
EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE MINING SECTOR
Flórez graduated in Mining and
Metallurgy Engineering from the National University of Colombia, and afterwards he earned a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration from the University of Santander (also in Colombia).
His experience in the mining sector has expanded on for more than 13 years, having worked in companies such as Cerro Matoso and Prodeco, moving up from operational positions to management before being hired by Carbomas in August 2020.
“During these years I have worked in production and strategic planning positions”. Flórez said.
Carbomas develops its operation in different departments in Colombia, producing mainly thermal coal, coking coal and copper concentrates:
• Department of Córdoba:
Carbomas has a thermal coal open pit mine, besides currently operating two thermal coal exploration projects, expecting to bring over 11,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) to the international coal market, with a sulfur concentration below 1%.
• Department of North Santander:
Three underground mining operations and four exploration projects. Coking coal is obtained out of the working operations, along with the extraction of ultra-low phosphorus coke, used in ferroalloys.
• Department of Cesar: Copper exploration projects in its exploration
stage, operations are expected to beguin in the Q4 2021 to export copper concentrate from the ports of Santa Marta (Department of Magdalena) and Barranquilla (Department of Atlantic).
• Department of La Guajira: Copper project recently assigned by the Colombian government. The deposit is in the La Jagua del Pilar Municipality and its exploration would take place in Q4 2021. This strategic reserve was given through the National Mining Agency for its exploration and exploitation, and was assigned by public tender.
“We were fortunate to be the first company benefited with the assignment of this block”, the executive said.
Exploration projects Carbomas is in charge of, which are several at a national level, have led the company to take the decision of acquiring both underground and surface drilling machinery, which could result in cost reduction of approximately 6% per drilled ft in these projects.
Carbomas relies on equipment such as scanners for underground mining, among its advanced technological solutions, which can give information about the tunnels with great accuracy for applications in topography processes, mining planning and geotechnics.
In managerial matters, the company is implementing an ERP system which will optimize its processes. This system, along with the acquisition of
We are the largest producer of ultra-low phosphorus coke in Colombia
- Víctor Flórez Mejía, National Mining Manager at Carbomas
exploration machinery equipped with the most advanced technology, will result a greater efficiency in cost.
“Nowadays, plenty of technological advances applied to mining have been developed, these allow us to be more cost-efficient and increase our productivity”, Flórez declared.
Carbomas’ strategic stockholders and partners are highly valued regarding their contribution to the company’s operations, and this same
importance is given to its suppliers, an integral and highly valued part of its productive chain.
Companies such as Boart Longyear, Caterpillar, Cino Mining, Dassault Systèmes and Komatsu, among others, provide Carbomas’ operations with value.
Among traits shared by Carbomas’ workers, their energy, the fact of selfimposing high growing goals, as well as the evolution of a culture of security
Carbomas’ workforce is currently going through a transformation towards a self-care culture in each of its collaborators, thus favoring a more secure and healthier working atmosphere.
surrounding its operations are based on mutual benefits, encouraged by the creation of self-sustainable development programs for these settlements.
Among the renowned efforts for this purpose are the alliances created along local governments with the purpose of promoting the growth of the communities where the company has got influence.
The relationships between Carbomas and the communities
The main aspects in which Carbomas has become as an agent for change among these communities and respect for the environment certainly stand out, besides giving value to the communities where the company operates.
It is really important for us to bring value to the communities where we work at
- Víctor Flórez Mejía, National Mining Manager at Carbomas
include agriculture, construction of access roads, education, and jobs generation.
“It is really important for us to bring value to the communities where we work at”, the manager stressed.
Carbomas is setting highly important challenges, which are within reach.
Their vision in a few years’ time is to become the mining company with the largest quantity of mineral products in its portfolio in Colombia. Nowadays, the company makes a place for itself in the products obtained from lines of work such as coke, metallurgic coke, coking coal, thermal coal, copper concentrates and gold.
