en.Wedoany.com Reported - Peru's mining projects often take about 40 years from exploration to production, making the country one of the markets with the longest mining development timelines in the region. According to estimates by the Peruvian Institute of Economics (IPE), nearly 60% of this time is concentrated in the exploration and feasibility study phases.
During the 16th International Mining Seminar, Andrés Obrecht, Vice President of Ausenco Perú, pointed out that more integrated management from the early stages can significantly shorten these cycles and improve project feasibility. He stated that a well-managed project could be developed in approximately 15 years, with delays often occurring in the initial phase when key technical, social, and environmental factors are still being defined.
Obrecht emphasized that strengthening early communication with communities is a key factor in shortening the cycle. Project developers should prioritize building good social relationships, establishing trust early on through expert consultation. He suggested that communities should be viewed as project partners, maintaining transparent and continuous communication, with fixed points of contact to report progress promptly and reduce uncertainty. Additionally, permitting and authorization processes remain a major challenge affecting the viability of mining investments. According to data from the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), a mining project may require between 200 and 400 permits and authorizations. Obrecht noted that some countries have adopted a "one-stop shop" model, centralizing procedures and assigning them to relevant agencies, making the process more flexible and efficient. He stated that if Peru implements a similar system, it could potentially cut approval times in half.
He also mentioned that establishing a solid technical definition early on, particularly in processing technology, tailings disposal, and mine infrastructure design, is equally crucial. Subsequent changes to initial decisions may trigger new environmental assessments, significantly extending the development cycle, or even requiring a new environmental impact study, adding years to the project.
From a global perspective, the mining industry is promoting a more integrated development model aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing long-term sustainability from the early stages of a project. Obrecht stated that mining needs to adopt a more integrated and collaborative perspective from the project's outset, with innovation not only in technology but also in finding new ways to plan, communicate, and make decisions early.
During the same seminar, María Paz Núñez, Vice President of Global Project Services at Ausenco, participated in a panel discussion titled "Paving the Way for Gender Diversity and Equality in Peru's Mining Sector."
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