How has JRC Engineering and Construction evolved in recent years and why did you decide to change the brand in 2021?

JRC Engineering and Construction (JRC) has evolved significantly in recent years by applying its own experiences to the market. In 2010, the company was entrusted with the responsibility of operating the Colquijirca mine comprehensively after working on several underground mining projects since 2000. This marked the beginning of the current business model. Today, JRC is in charge of four comprehensive operations, among other projects, and has entered the Mexican market in 2019 with two projects. The company’s approach is focused on human management, valuing employees as part of a great family that is now 21 years old in 2021. To project JRC as a global and dynamic brand, the company decided to change its brand in 2021, taking into account its experience and value in the execution of comprehensive underground mines.

Who are JRC’s main clients and what standout underground projects have you worked on?

JRC’s main operations currently include working with Quenuales from the Glencore Group, both in underground and surface mining activities, as well as being present in El Brocal and Chacua with Buenaventura, in Trevali Mining’s Santander mine, and in Ticlio for Volcan. In most of JRC’s underground operations, the company covers all services, including the extraction and hauling of the material to the processing plant. JRC is always looking out for opportunities that may arise in the short and medium term, as experts in the integral execution of underground mines and massive mining methods.

How has your experience been in the international market?

JRC managed to enter Mexico in 2019 and despite the arrival of the pandemic, the process did not stop. In a joint effort with the mining company Fresnillo PLC, JRC did its best to take care of its people. This first expansion allowed JRC to position itself in international markets and gave the company the opportunity to look at new opportunities in other markets such as Colombia, Ecuador, and India, which are very attractive countries for the mining sector.

How has the company coped with the impact of the pandemic?

JRC, like all Peruvian companies, experienced many inconveniences due to the pandemic, to which the company had to give an immediate response, in collaboration with its clients. However, when a mining project stops, it is not possible to resume actions normally, and it is necessary to restart almost from scratch, exacerbating the situation. In addition, JRC was affected by infections, which had an impact on its work teams. Between September and October of the same year, JRC operated at 90% of its capacity. Currently, although JRC is already working at 100%, the pandemic continues to be a daily challenge that the company must face in the best way to always take care of its people.

What new technologies have you been working with recently?

JRC works closely with Buenaventura’s innovation department, one of its main clients, to incorporate autonomous teams, among other improvement actions. In addition to remote control equipment, with which JRC has already worked for several years, the company has been working to incorporate multipurpose equipment with which it can carry out up to three activities almost simultaneously, reducing the exposure of its workers and allowing JRC to cover key positions in any project where the company currently has difficulties due to the pandemic.