1

CENTER FOR MINING SUSTAINABILITY, A PARTNERSHIP WITH AREQUIPA

The Universidad Nacional de San Agustín (UNSA) in Arequipa, Peru, and Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Co-
lorado, USA, have developed a partnership to tackle one of the most important societal and environmental issues
facing southern Peru – how to manage mining of natural resources in a manner that is sustainable, supports the
local economies, and minimizes environmental impacts.

Much of the mining in the region is done at the Artisanal and Small-scale level, which suffers from dangerous con-
ditions, high environmental impacts, and limited resources to address problems. The Center for Mining Sustainabi-
lity was launched in March 2019, with multiple projects aimed at protecting water resources, improving mine safe-
ty, reducing risk from geologic hazards, and improving mining processes. The Center leverages the institution-level
faculty, student, and infrastructure commitment of UNSA’s school of Mining Engineering, Geology and Geophysics;
School of Processing Engineering, and others as well as the combined strengths of research faculty and infrastruc-
ture from Colorado School of Mines departments of Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer
Science, Geology and Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Mining in the Arequipa region, at
Artisanal and Small Scales, faces
many complex social, economical
and environmental challenges.
Among them:
Unique pressures and economic
limitations inherent with Artisanal
and Small-Scale Mining
Degradation of water resources
due to mine runoff, changing sedi-
ment loads, and contamination by
chemicals
Exposure of mining personnel and
nearby residents to dangerous
chemicals from mineral extraction
Market-force issues that resist
change to safer chemical extrac-
tion methods
Hazardous mining conditions,
due to inadequate ventilation and
mine stability problems
Safe storage and long-term dispo-
sal and management of mine tai-
lings
Landslide, debris flow, and erosion
hazards in mining areas or caused
by mining
Predictive methods and ore cha-
racterization to ensure future re-
sources and continued thriving
communities
These technical, social, and envi-
ronmental challenges are intrica-
tely connected and require innova-
tive, multi-disciplinary approaches
for effective change. To be truly
effective, solutions must anticipa-
te future needs and drivers, redu-
ce unfavorable consequences, and
integrate with the unique social
systems that define the region. The
Center for Mining Sustainability will
apply data-driven, interdisciplinary
science, technology, and innova-
tion to help chart a new course
toward a sustainable future.

PAG. 2/4
 3

ABOUT UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE SAN AGUSTÍN

The National University of San Agustín de Arequipa was founded on Nov. 11, 1828 as a public university in Arequipa,
Peru. Its mission is to train high-quality professionals to be competitive, capable of being agents of change and
development in society, and excellent researchers capable of solving the problems that impact the environment
of the region and Peru.

ABOUT COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES

Colorado School of Mines is known globally for the quality of its distinctive graduates, the success of its alumni and
its unique expertise in topics related to earth, energy and the environment.

The first Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees meeting was held in 1879, the first formal commencement
for two graduates was held in 1883, the first international student graduated in 1889, and the first female student
graduated in 1898.

Courses offered to students during the early years of Colorado School of Mines included chemistry, metallurgy,
mineralogy, mining engineering, geology, botany, math and drawing. The focus of the early academic programs
was on gold and silver, and the assaying of those minerals. As the institution grew, its mission expanded to focus
specifically on understanding the Earth, harnessing energy and sustaining the environment.

Mines produces industry-ready scientists and engineers known for their work ethic, problem-solving ability and
teamwork focus. Mines graduates are in great demand by companies and government entities around the world
and are involved in solving major technical and societal challenges of our times.

PAG. 3/4
4