What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

In the current national political context, it is very gratifying for the SPCC team–especially for our legal team–to have managed to get the Michiquillay mining project ready to start mining exploration in Cajamarca, Peru. Relevant legal milestones reached for this stage include the authorisation to start exploration activities granted by the General Directorate of Mining of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the authorisation of use of water for exploration granted by the Marañón Water Administrative Authority of the National Water Authority, and the social agreements signed with the Peasant Communities of Michiquillay and La Encañada that reflects the commitments and obligations assumed by the company with our neighbours. In parallel, we have been promoting–alongside the company’s social and exploration team–and with a specialised company, as well as with the aforementioned communities, a new Cadastre — inventory and appraisal of the communal lands in which the development of this mega project will take place. We still see great legal challenges, but the future possibilities encourages us to continue.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

Yes, definitely. The pandemic has made us more supportive, more sensitive to our neighbours, more united, and focused on our professional goals. But it has also brought us closer to the excellent external advisors, specialists that have accompanied us closely in the implementation of technology.

What are some of the key developments – legal, geopolitical or otherwise – that have affected your business over the past year?

Apart from the pandemic that collapsed the economy, the national elections were polarising in a country that needs unity. And the unfortunate result to this day has been the election of a president who is woefully ungovernable, amidst serious ethical problems in his administration and with a congress that makes little difference. Politicians in the executive and legislative branches are damaging our country.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Virtual teamwork has been a major development in productivity, with its implementation accelerated by the pandemic. The months of pandemic confinement in Peru have made us value the ability to develop connections with our colleagues even more, and technology has helped facilitate this connection. We can expect a lot more from developments in virtual teamwork tech in the near future.