TRAILBLAZER

group promotes “ greater gender inclusion in the mining sector ” and she has “ a track record of advocating and promoting women ’ s opportunities , empowerment and equality from senior level positions in the private sector .”

“ In the last years , I have been more involved in ESG and sustainability matters that have become my drivers ,” said Vásquez . “ I have learned that this is an industry that has the potential to transform lives and improve the livelihoods of local communities . I believe countries like Colombia have a huge opportunity to defeat poverty and inequality through the sustainable development of its natural resources .”

Over the next year , Vásquez believes that ESG will become commonplace among mining organisations and leaders will evaluate their ESG impacts more carefully .

“ I see an industry more focused on implementing ESG practices and looking to be part of the solution for the energy transition and the economic recovery after the pandemic . In my country , exploration for green mineral deposits will be key in the following months and investors will evaluate how projects are applying ESG criteria in their operations at an early stage ,” she says . “ Renewable energy sources and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles ( EVs ) are some of the aspects companies will be looking at .”

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