Buenaventura’s adaptive capacity was also evident in its response to structural constraints, particularly in the energy sector. A clear example was the creation of the Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica (CONENHUA) in 1980. At the time, despite the presence of high-voltage transmission lines from the Mantaro hydroelectric plant, access to electricity remained extremely limited due to insufficient local demand to justify the necessary infrastructure. In this context, mining operations provided the base demand required to enable investment, leading to the development of a transmission network that extended electricity access beyond mining operations. The project required coordination with public authorities and support from institutions including the IFC, IDB, Banco Minero, and COFIDE, illustrating how mining can facilitate infrastructure development in underserved areas. Its development also coincided with a broader process of electrical interconnection in Peru, at a time when national electricity coverage remained limited, at approximately 40% in 1982 and 54.9% in 1992 (OSINERGMIN, 2016). In another domain, Buenaventura faced metallurgical challenges. At Uchucchacua, its fourth mine (since 1975) in the northern highlands of Lima, silver ore contained high levels of manganese, an element with limited commercial value. Addressing this constraint required sustained research efforts over several years, which enabled the separation of manganese from silver. This process ultimately led to the development of the Río Seco industrial processing plant, inaugurated in 2013 in Huaral, Lima. Río Seco produces manganese sulfate monohydrate, an input used in agriculture, livestock production, and batteries, illustrating a pathway of value addition derived from metallurgical processing. The complex also incorporates facilities for the treatment of arsenic-bearing copper, expanding the scope of these technical capabilities. Accumulated experience also led Buenaventura to address energy challenges at a larger scale through Huanza, a hydroelectric power plant that has supplied renewable energy to its operations since 2014. In a country characterized by infrastructure gaps and high energy costs, participation in power generation constituted a natural extension of its adaptive strategy, ensuring reliable supply, reducing operational risks, and reinforcing long-term stability. With Huanza and complementary initiatives, the company has achieved the use of 100% renewable energy in its mining units in 2025. 178
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