The La Arena copper-gold mine has recently been awarded the fourth star of Carbon Footprint Peru, a program led by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment, in recognition of the operation’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. This is the top level of recognition available under the government’s framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) management. La Arena, which is wholly owned by Zijin, is one of only three mining companies in the country to have attained the highest distinction.

Peru’s Minister of Environment, Nelly Paredes del Castillo, said: “The fourth star recognition represents the pinnacle of the country’s Carbon Footprint Peru program. Companies that achieve this level, such as La Arena, demonstrate through concrete actions that economic growth and environmental protection can progress hand in hand.”

In recent years, La Arena, a large open-pit operation, has advanced decarbonization through GHG measurement, third-party verification, and year-on-year emission reductions, earning three consecutive third-star ratings from the program prior to this achievement. Since its acquisition of La Arena on December 3, 2024, Zijin has deepened the operation’s focus on sustainable operations and energy efficiency. A range of initiatives were rolled out at the mine in line with Zijin’s global decarbonization strategy:

-  Optimizing loading and haulage equipment to reduce fossil fuel consumption;

-   Building “raincoat systems” to cover heap leach pads and waste dumps;

- Installing solar power systems and LED lighting.

These measures have further improved operational sustainability, ultimately earning the mine the highest recognition from Peru’s Environment Ministry.

Carbon Footprint Peru is a program established by the Ministry for public and private organizations to measure, verify, and manage GHG emissions. The four levels of recognition are as follows:

- First Star: Carbon footprint measurement;

- Second Star: Third-party verification;

- Third Star: Year-on-year emissions reduction;

- Fourth Star: Sustained reduction, carbon neutrality, or collaboration with suppliers for carbon management.