What is the current status of the Quellaveco development, and when is production expected to start?

Quellaveco is now over 50% construction complete (as of May 2021). We expect to start mining ore by the end of 2021, and to be fully operational in 2022. The exact date is Covid dependent to some degree, but this is a goal we expect to achieve.

Could you explain Anglo American’s agreement with ENGIE Energía Peru to provide renewable energy to Quellaveco via the Punta Lomitas wind farm?

The deal was put together in the span of less than a year, and Quellaveco will require approximately 187 megawatts. We are proud to be the first mine in the country that powers its entire operation via renewables. This agreement will provide more jobs to the people of Peru and sends a message to the mining industry that renewable energy is feasible.

How do the Caterpillar 794 AC autonomous mining trucks using Command for Hauling at Quellaveco compare to traditional vehicles?

We are currently going through a learning curve to get the best out of the trucks. We expect a significant productivity improvement in the coming months and years, especially when all the trucks become autonomous. We expect between a 10% to 30% improvement in productivity compared to a traditional fleet. At Quellaveco, we made a commitment to the community to still hire the same amount of people as we would in a manual operation, but some of the jobs will be different than before, and we will train people to work in a digital mine.

What are some of Anglo American’s initiatives to increase the participation of women at its operations?

Across the company, we have focused on increasing the participation of women, and we are at about 25% participation of women at Quellaveco. It is important to create an inclusive environment where all workers feel comfortable.

What message would you give about the importance of fostering a collaborative mining climate in the country?

We need to sit down with the government and figure out how we are going to capture the opportunity that Peru’s mining sector presents to benefit the Peruvian people. All stakeholders should have a fair share, make a fair profit, and have access to development. If too many restrictions are introduced, future investment is going to dry up or go somewhere else. We have done a good job of this at Quellaveco, and this is a good example of how we need to do things moving forward.