STRACON: Innovation and sustainability in mining
With over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, STRACON, a company of the STRACON Group, has established itself as a key player offering comprehensive solutions in mining operations and construction. With a focus on sustainability and community development, STRACON has distinguished itself both locally and internationally. In this interview, Jorge Herbozo, VP of Business Development at STRACON Group, provides further insights.
1. How has STRACON evolved in recent years?
The evolution of STRACON reflects our commitment to operational excellence. We have established ourselves as strategic partners with leading mining companies in Peru and throughout the region, working continuously in operations such as La Arena since 2010, Constancia since 2012, Shahuindo since 2014, as well as more recently at Quellaveco since 2018 and Antamina since 2020. Additionally, we have undertaken the challenge of executing the first large-scale mine closure in Peru at Barrick’s Pierina Mine. These strategic alliances have generated significant value for our clients and our growth.
Recognition from our clients has enabled us to venture into other markets, both through organic and inorganic growth. Thus, STRACON Group, comprising Dumas, focused on underground mining; STRACON Tech, responsible for technological solutions; AMECO South America, oriented towards asset management and equipment rental; and STRACON Engineering, focused on EPC, BOT, and Industrial or Electromechanical Construction projects, also operates in countries such as Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Chile, having also operated in Argentina, Panama, Guyana, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
This evolution not only reinforces our position as leaders in the mining sector but also provides us the opportunity to adopt global best practices and adapt them to the local needs of each country.
2. STRACON is undertaking the first large-scale mine closure in Peru. What have been the main challenges of executing this project?
This is a landmark project for STRACON and for Peru, as it is the first large-scale mine closure in the country. It is a challenge that has required all our capabilities and has also allowed us to acquire new knowledge that we will apply in future mine closure projects.
What makes this closure unique is not only its scale but also the complexity of each stage of land rehabilitation, ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental standards.
Most importantly, this approach is not limited to operational aspects but incorporates our vision of sustainability, aligned with that of the project. We are conducting this closure responsibly, rehabilitating the environment and creating opportunities that benefit the communities in the mine's area of influence, with whom we have worked closely.
3. How does STRACON contribute to generating sustainable mining and what are the main plans and projects developed in this area?
Our commitment to sustainable mining is the cornerstone of everything we do. We understand that a mining operation is only sustainable when a balance between economic, social, and environmental objectives is achieved. Therefore, we implement practices that minimize environmental impact and work closely with local communities, creating opportunities that extend beyond our operations.
A notable example is the training program for female operators at Quellaveco, where we trained over 30 women from zero to operate mining equipment and subsequently integrate into the mining operation. In Constancia, we collaborated with our client in implementing the sewing workshop and training for the Chilloroya Women Entrepreneurs Association, enabling them to boost their economy.
These programs are just a couple of examples of the many we develop in conjunction with our clients in each of the projects where we operate. We know that long-term success is only achieved when we work responsibly and sustainably, generating a positive impact on both people and the environment.