Can you provide a brief background of MDH’s activities in Peru in recent years?

MDH has been one of the major drilling companies in Peru, experiencing significant growth over the years. However, due to the pandemic and the resulting restrictions, the growth slowed down between March and June 2020. Although the situation has stabilized since then, the company is still facing challenges such as increased costs, delays, and new protocols. Nevertheless, the company has been well prepared since the beginning of 2021 with internal protocols to protect workers and external protocols implemented by clients. MDH expects to reach or even improve the 2019 level in terms of earnings and contracts this year.

Can you tell us about MDH’s recent clients and key projects you have been working on?

Currently, MDH is working on Hoschild Mining’s main mining projects in Inmaculada, Pallancata, and Arcata, as well as some of their greenfield projects. The company is also working on IAMGOLD’s greenfield Los Tambos project and Bear Creek’s Corani project, which is expected to enter construction in 2021. Additionally, MDH is working for Sierra Metals with Minera Corona and at Larena with Barrick.

What kind of technology and equipment has MDH recently introduced?

Due to the pandemic, there has been growing demand for automated solutions, but only among large mining companies. MDH has been implementing equipment and technology that reduces human interaction with machines, as well as equipment that increases safety and reduces risks. For instance, the company has introduced anti-impact gloves with special protection to reduce the risk of accidents for workers’ hands. They have also manufactured special equipment for handling pipelines and internal tools and use anti-sleep clocks and GPS tools to follow the transfer of personnel, tools, and equipment.

What trends are you observing for your drilling services and for exploration?

Clients are increasingly concerned with safety and environmental protection. On the technical side, clients have been asking for more deep drilling of 1,500 to 1,800 m, requiring larger and more powerful equipment, as well as very experienced personnel. Regarding exploration, large mining companies in Peru are investing substantially in brownfield and greenfield projects, which represents a significant growth opportunity for MDH. They currently see more potential in brownfield exploration as there are restrictions to open new projects in different areas due to permitting and social issues.

Can you explain the company’s commitment to quality and what sets you apart from your competitors?

MDH was the first drilling company in Peru and has over 50 years of experience in the market. In 1994, a joint venture was created between MDH and Bradley Group, leading the company to be trained and supervised by Canadian drillers and to use Canadian technology. The company has been experiencing exponential growth since then and has continuously invested in equipment, technology, safety, environmental care, social responsibility, and training. Lastly, the company prioritizes clients and does not limit its resources when providing services to them.

What are MDH’s goals in the medium term, and the company’s internationalization strategy?

MDH aims to grow under its traditional guidelines, which have been promoted by its director of engineering, Guido Del Castillo, since the beginning. In terms of future investment, the company will continue to acquire high-end technology to carry out different types of drilling, and sonic drilling is expected to become more important. They also expect to develop their consulting area for the mining industry. MDH began its internationalization process in 2019 with a project at the San José Mine in Argentina.