Innovation and collaboration: Partnering with our Customers in Peru

Peru's metals and minerals industry is a powerhouse of both the domestic and global economy. Currently home to the world’s second-largest known copper reserves, its importance to future economic development and the energy transition is writ large. 

Vania Chavez Esquivel, RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT’s (RME) Service Account Manager in Peru describes it as a region built on innovation and collaboration, much like her own career, and distinguished globally by its early adoption of mill relining technology and determination to improve safety and efficiency.

This ‘In Conversation’ feature explores these observations and offers insights into Vania’s firsthand impressions of RME’s Customers in Peru – what they value and their current challenges.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 this month, we glimpse into Vania’s career and inspirations, we hear what it’s really like working at RME, and uncover Vania’s formula for how we might drive positive change together.

Peru: a cornerstone of the global metals and minerals industry

Peru stands out as a formidable player in the global minerals industry. Consistently ranking among the world's top three copper producers, and with substantial production of zinc, gold, silver, and lead, the country is an indispensable part of the global mining landscape, driving both domestic and global economic growth and innovation. 

As an exemplar in mining innovation and sustainability, it has and will continue to play a significant role in the energy transition. Its potential has drawn significant investment, driven by the increasing demand for copper, with 51 projects in development worth USD 54.6 billion and a USD 644 million exploration pipeline. Last year, the country's copper production reached 2.74 million tons. (1)

RME has proudly exported mill relining systems to Peru for a quarter of a century, culminating in the establishment of an RME technical sales and service centre in Lima in recent years.

The ingenuity of RME’s Customers

RME’s aspiration is to improve the human condition through responsible access to metals at lower cost. Vania describes the aspiration as being in perfect alignment with what the Peruvian minerals sector prioritises and needs. 

RME’s Latin American Customers have been early adopters of cutting-edge solutions from its award-winning RME Advanced Technology Mill Relining System, namely THUNDERBOLT SKYWAY—the world's first robotic knock-in solution for safer, faster worn liner removal. This advanced system, which also incorporates the world’s first automated RUSSELL Mill Relining Machine (MRM), ultimately allows mill operators to relocate crews to work outside the mill during liner exchange and achieve step-change improvements in safety and relining speed. 

“This proactive approach has been a catalyst for the successful implementation of the RME Mill Relining System in the region.”

Peru boasts the second-highest installation of RUSSELL TWIN 8 Mill Relining Machines (MRM) globally. The RUSSELL TWIN MRM is RME’s most colossal liner exchange machine, designed to meet the demanding needs of large-scale mineral processing operations.

Built on trust, built to last

RME's Customers in Peru are characterised by their trust and absolute commitment to improving safety and efficiency. 

RME’s first delivery to the region—a RUSSELL MRM (a 7-axis, 3.5-tonne capacity)—was made in the year 2000. 

Remarkably, this machine remained in active service for over 20 years, underpinned by RME’s best-practice care and maintenance, before its progressive replacement with another RUSSELL MRM. It exemplifies RME’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality, reliable and long-lasting products to its Customers in the region.

"They value trust, flexibility, and a team that is always available to support them, preventing stressful situations and ensuring effective solutions," Vania observes. "Their openness to innovation, and the trust they place in us as strategic partners, is truly exciting."

“Ultimately, the enduring and successful nature of our Customer relationships in Peru is built on a foundation of trust, the quality of the solutions we provide, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement.  

“Our relationships are a testament to RME's understanding of the unique challenges faced by the industry and our dedication and ability to provide tailored solutions.”

Addressing the challenges of the Peruvian mineral processing industry

Mill operators and copper producers in Peru, despite their competitive prowess, face significant challenges such as cost optimisation, ore grade variability and productivity pressures, and a continued drive to deliver operational safety improvements and further reduce environmental impact. 

“RME's advanced automation solutions and reduced maintenance downtime can address these critical issues, helping to ensure our Customers achieve their operational goals,” Vania says.

“Our local team works with a customer-centric approach, prioritising safety, efficiency and reliability, while our globally mobile factory-trained Customer Service Technicians bring further expert know-how.

“Importantly, RME is the original equipment manufacturer, which allows us to offer specialised solutions and unparalleled insights-driven technical support.”

A beacon of expertise in Peru's mineral processing sector

As Service Account Manager for RME in Peru, Vania has carved out a reputation for her unwavering commitment to RME’s Customers, her passion for customer service, and her innovative approach to optimising mill relining operations. 

Her role at RME involves strengthening relationships with Customers by providing technical support and maintenance, in addition to efficient availability of spare parts for Customers.

“A regular day involves constant communication with Customers to understand their needs," Vania explains, "coordination with the operations team to provide quick solutions, and strategic meetings to continually enhance RME’s value for Customers in the Peruvian market."

Having joined RME almost two years ago, Vania was drawn to the Company's unique blend of mill relining expertise and innovative advanced safety technology, which is unparalleled in the industry. "RME represents the perfect combination of deep expertise in a mining industry niche and technological innovation—two areas I am passionate about," she notes. 

“Since joining, I have found it to be a dynamic, collaborative and innovative international environment. I remain motivated by knowing that our work positively impacts the safety and productivity of the global mineral processing industry.

A career built on innovation and collaboration

Before her tenure at RME, Vania amassed over nine years’ experience working with leading Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) suppliers to the metals and minerals sectors. 

As an engineer with a master’s degree in marketing and commercial management, she has specialised in strategic account management and technological solutions to optimise mining production. This rich background laid the foundation for her impactful career at RME.

Vania credits her inspiration to people who have broken barriers in mining, demonstrating that talent knows no gender. She emphasises the importance of collaboration and excellence, values imparted by the teams she has worked with.

“RME is continuing to support my career growth and development through training programs, mentorship, and a work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.”

Advice for aspiring professionals

For those contemplating a career in the mining industry, Vania offers sage advice:

She underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace that promotes diversity and equal opportunities.  

Vania's story is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, collaboration and diversity. Her career journey exemplifies the impact that dedicated professionals can have on the industry, driving positive change and setting new standards for excellence.

International Women’s Day 2025: driving positive change together

As the global mining community marked International Women’s Day in 2025, the conversation moved beyond gender to encompass the broader, vital theme of diversity. 

At RME, diversity is not just a buzzword. There is deep appreciation for the value it brings to fostering innovation, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, creating industry-leading products and services, and strengthening the Company’s ability to adapt to the complex challenges of the industry.

Looking ahead

Peru's metals and minerals industry, characterised by innovation and collaboration, continues to reach higher standards of safety and efficiency, ensuring Peru remains at the forefront of the global mining landscape. In conversation with Vania Chavez Esquivel, its bright future is evident as it continues to drive positive change.

Connect with our team in Peru

RME's on-the-ground team offers extensive experience and deep expertise in supporting copper producers and mineral processing operations across the region. Connect with our Peru sales and support centre to discover how we can work together to optimise mill relining operations, enhancing safety and mill availability.

(1) Peru’s Mining & Metals Investment Guide 2025/2026, EY Peru: https://www.ey.com/es_pe/insights/mining-metals/mining-metals-investment-guide