Leaders of Juniors concluded that, despite the regulatory challenges, Peru maintains an incomparable geological potential and a technical talent that has led the country to export perforists to the world.
During the round table dedicated to Juniors companies within the framework of Proexplo 2025, leaders of outstanding mining companies shared an integral look on the trajectory, challenges and projections of Juniors companies in Peru. David Kelley (CEO of Chakana Copper), Álvaro Fernández-Baca (Vice President of Exploration in Palamina Corp.), Ian Gendall (CEO of DLP Resources) and José Vizquerra (president of Silver Mountain Resources) agreed that, despite the current difficulties, Peru continues to be an attractive country for the high-risk mining Take measures to improve your competitiveness.
David Kelley, who has worked for more than 35 years in the international mining industry, pointed out that “Peru is one of the most wonderful countries for the Juniors segment. Peru has the correct combination of excellent geology and a good mining law that helps us to have a secured title.” However, he warned that “the process of permits makes it difficult to maintain the impulse” in the projects.
A position shared by José Vizquerra, president and CEO of Silver Mountain Resources, who made a direct comparison with the Canadian mining panorama. “In Canada, you can get permission to drill in two months; in Peru it takes you two years.” This difference – he pointed out – represents a clear disadvantage for the junior. “Time is money, because you have to pay the entire team,” he added.
A transformation story
During the event organized by the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP), Álvaro Fernández-Baca, Vice President of Exploration of Palamina Corp., shared a historical vision of the evolution of Juniors companies in the country. He highlighted the period from 2003 to 2013 as a stage of “Peruanization” of the sector: “Before we imported perforists, now Peru exports them,” he said.
However, he warned that the advancement of illegal mining could put the future of the juniors at risk: “It is a threat of death for junior companies if it is not reversed.” He also added that due to the emergence of social conflicts, the Peruvian regulatory framework became increasingly complex.
For Ian Gendall, CEO of DLP Resources, the success of the juniors does not depend only on capital, but also on the commitment in the field to achieve sustainability in their projects. “I think reliably that we have to have the boots on the ground to ensure that we identify the projects from the early stages, regardless of how good or bad they are,” he said, in reference to the value of field work.
Despite the regulatory obstacles, the panelists agreed that Peru maintains their appeal as a strategic destination for Juniors. With a privileged geology and great human talent, the country still offers great opportunities for those who are committed to responsible mining exploration.
Source: IIMP.
Related news :