One of the ways that mining companies can contribute to communities is by knowledge-sharing to support economic and social development. This can take many forms.

At the Las Bambas copper mine in the Peruvian Andes, the communities around the mine site were traditionally subsistence farmers. Las Bambas, through one of its many social development programs, is helping farmers improve their processes and production so they can grow produce to sell.

In April 2016, the Payanca farming community in the Tambobamba district delivered 500 kilos of potatoes to Sodexo, provider of catering services to Las Bambas. This first shipment was possible thanks to an agreement signed between both parties.

The objective of agreements like this is to help develop local entrepreneurs. As part of the agreement, Payanca will deliver 500 kilos of Blanca and Canchán potatoes to Sodexo each week.

Before the purchase, Sodexo verified whether the community had the necessary production potential in terms of land, crops and irrigation systems. Sodexo then provided training and technical assistance in producing, storing and selecting fresh produce. The goal was to improve the farmers’ skills and help them meet the quality controls required by the company.

Assisting farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming improves their livelihoods and upgrades their skills so they can eventually supply other markets. The money they earn goes back to their families and the local community, and those working at the mine get to eat fresh, locally produced food.

“We traded our potatoes for the first time. Now, the whole community is thankful that Las Bambas and Sodexo have given us this opportunity to improve our quality of life by selling local agricultural and livestock products,” said Constantino Ccahuana Arcos, president of the Payanca farming community.

Pictured: Las Bambas works with various groups, institutions and entities which promote economic growth and strengthen the capacity of micro and small enterprises.