Allowing schoolchildren to continue their studies during the Covid-19 pandemic was considered a priority, and a direct way in which we could support our communities. In 2020, we were able to facilitate academic support for over 1,400 students and 150 teachers across 28 schools in remote areas within our sphere of influence. In 2020, as a part of a series of gender equality initiatives, we launched the scholarship programme ‘Becas Futuro Mujer’ which offers the opportunity for higher studies in technical careers with high chances of securing employment. The programme gave the opportunity to 13 women from the local communities to receive qualifications as Plant and Infrastructure Assistants; skills that are highly sought after in the mining industry. In total, almost 100 students have been granted scholarships to attend prestigious institutions across Peru and Argentina. 

We continued to meet the health needs of individuals and families through providing medicine and nutritional advice in collaboration with local health networks and sponsors. We embraced technology to ensure we could continue to transfer knowledge and advice whilst respecting social distancing requirements, delivering over 1,500 consultations.

We were able to ensure the continuity of economic activities pursued by local communities through support which was facilitated virtually (as necessary) and the provision of training and supplies/materials.

In 2016, the employees of our San Jose mine in Argentina trained individuals in the nearby community of Perito Moreno in textile cutting and entrepreneurial skills including management and administration. Because of this support, participants were able to form a small textile company known as “Puntadas Peritenses”.

In 2020, Puntadas Peritenses supplied Minera Santa Cruz (the joint venture company co-owned by Hochschild and its partner McEwen Mining) with more than a thousand items of work clothing, including personal protective equipment, overalls, sweaters and vests.