Por: Juan Carlos Zevallos Roncagliolo, abogado especialista en derecho minero, corporativo y negociación. 

Abstract

Since ancient times Peru has been a country of eminent mining tradition since pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican times. In this context, it is not difficult to say that Peruvian mining has played a transcendental role as the main catalyst for productive investment in our country over the years. In fact, since its emergence in the 20th century, mining has been one of the activities that has contributed the most to the Peruvian GDP.

It is also evident that, to a great extent, the progress and development of the country is due to the social role played by companies, in this case mining companies. Following this line, it is appropriate to point out that any mining company with a long-term social vision should seek not only its own economic enrichment and the highest profitability of its assets, but also lay the foundations to improve the living conditions of citizens in the area of influence and contribute to the development and growth of the country where it operates. 

In this context, we cannot deny the great economic and social importance, as well as the leading role that mining activity has been playing for several decades as an instrument of integration, social inclusion and productive development. However, this has not been achieved only with good will on the part of mining entrepreneurs, but also with the adoption of good corporate practices, which began to be implemented in Peru when mining assets that were in the hands of the state were purchased in the 1970s and 1980s. The objective was to guarantee a balance between progress and social wellbeing with the desire for profit and economic growth pursued by mining companies.