In this enlightening episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we sit down with Ana Gabriela Juarez, DPI's newest non-executive director and President of Canadian Operations at CTA Environmental Consultants. With over two decades of experience in the global mining sector, Ana shares her unique perspective as both a "miner at heart and advocate by purpose," drawing from her experiences in Guatemala and across the Americas.
Throughout the conversation, Ana emphasizes the transformative potential of responsible mining, sharing compelling examples of successful projects that have positively impacted communities. She discusses how mining companies can create lasting value by aligning their operations with broader development goals and actively participating in ecosystem restoration. Her work founding Women in Mining Central America and creating educational initiatives like the Kids' Mineralogist Club demonstrates her commitment to building bridges between industry and community.
The key takeaways from this episode:
- Successful mining projects require early and inclusive stakeholder engagement that builds trust and transparency
- Environmental stewardship must go beyond compliance to create lasting positive impacts
- Building competitive communities requires investment in local workforce development and infrastructure
- Mining companies can transform challenges into opportunities by fostering genuine partnerships
- Small actions, like starting honest conversations or mentoring others, can build the trust needed for sustainable development.