Cerro Verde Leaders Recognized for ‘Transformative Contributions’ to Mining

November 26, 2024 - Two leaders at Cerro Verde in Peru are being recognized for their “transformative contributions” to the global mining industry with their inclusion in the 2024 edition of the 100 Global Inspirational Women In Mining (https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WIM100-2024-Book_Sixth-Edition-1.pdf).

Julia Torreblanca, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and Ruth Escobar, Head of Innovation, both were included on the biennial list celebrating 100 women from around the world for their contributions to mining and for being “role models for peers and future generations alike.”

The WIM initiative highlights the achievements of women at all levels and in all roles – from those working at site, in local communities and in the head office, according to the organization’s announcement.

Torreblanca is a lawyer who graduated from Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa. She began working in the legal department at Cerro Verde in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Corporate Affairs in 2012.

She also worked closely on Cerro Verde’s Virtuous Circle of Water, which includes cleaning up the Chili River to provide clean water for Arequipa.

Torreblanca now leads the legal, government relations, energy, and community and public relations departments at the site.

“I am really honored with this recognition,” Torreblanca said. “Being a proud mother of three young women, I am committed to represent all the women in mining to make sure our industry becomes more sustainable, more diverse and inclusive, contributes to communities and changes lives for the positive, finding innovative solutions like the Virtuous Circle of Water. “

Escobar, an industrial engineer and economist, systematized innovation at Cerro Verde through her groundbreaking Innova model, leading to the registration of more than 10,000 employee ideas, which resulted in 13 patents and 10 national awards.

With advanced degrees from the National University of San Agustín and the Catholic University of Santa María in Arequipa, she authored three influential books on innovation, two focused on mining processes. A trailblazer in Peru, she leads the Technical Innovation Group and South Headquarters of Women in Mining and actively contributes to national and international innovation committees.

"To everyone from small towns, far from big cities, but full of dreams: this achievement is yours too,” Escobar said. “Being recognized on the WIM 100 list fills me with pride for my roots and my people who taught me to dream big. Thank you to those who have been part of my journey and those I hope to inspire. No matter where we start, we can go far and make a difference.”

Derek Cooke, President-Cerro Verde, praised both women and said the recognition is well deserved.

“I know that both the entire Cerro Verde team and I are very proud and thankful for all the work that Julia and Ruth have done over the years,” Cooke said. “Both have set incredibly high standards not only for themselves, but their ‘can do’ and positive attitude inspires and motivates all those around them including their co-workers, peers across the industry, and young men and women just now entering the mining industry. Freeport and Cerro Verde are definitely privileged to have Julia and Ruth on the team, and I’m honored to be able to work alongside them.”

The WIM 100 initiative was launched in 2013 to highlight the breadth of female talent in the mining industry and celebrate their contributions. This year, 570 individual nominations were received representing female industry leaders in 41 countries.

Photos (top to bottom): Julia Torreblanca has played a critical role in Cerro Verde’s expansion and water projects that benefit the Arequipa region; Ruth Escobar has helped make Cerro Verde an industry leader in innovation.