Cerro Verde-Supported Student Robotics Project Earns International Recognition

December 1, 2025 - Students from the Arequipa region in Peru who benefitted from Cerro Verde’s robotics education program recently earned a bronze medal and a special award for sustainable innovation in technological transformation at an international competition in Panama.

The 15 students from the Tiabaya, La Joya, Uchumayo, Islay and Yarabamba school districts were recognized for presenting a robot called “TOMA”, developed by young innovators from different schools near the mine. The event in Panama brought together participants from 26 countries, totaling 3,200 competitors.

Since 2022, Cerro Verde has supported the STEAM Robotics Project in local public schools, aiming to promote education in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Schools have been provided with robotics kits and workshops have been held to form clubs and organize competitions. Since 2022, the program has provided STEAM training to 2,446 high school students and 169 teachers, while student participation has climbed to 958 from 390 this year.

“This experience and this award not only enriched the students’ spirits but also reinforced their ability to take on challenges and achieve anything they set their minds to,” said Edwin Rodríguez, Senior Community Relations Analyst and coordinator of Cerro Verde’s STEAM Robotics project. “Cerro Verde firmly believes in the present and future of children. That is why it promotes initiatives like this, giving them the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences that strengthen their personal and academic development.”

Photos (top to bottom): Peru was represented by 15 students from the Arequipa area who took part in the Cerro Verde sponsored STEAM Robotics Project in local public schools; Students from the Arequipa region recently traveled to Panama to compete in a competition where they were recognized for their work on robotics.