Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde was recognized on May 6 with the PRISMA Award in the “Environmental Projects” category for the positive impact of its La Enlozada Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR La Enlozada) on the city of Arequipa.
The award highlights the role that PTAR La Enlozada plays in cleaning up 96 percent of the Chili River, which is a key source of water and irrigation for thousands of people. The PRISMA Awards are given to companies, public institutions, and civil society organizations whose initiatives stand out in various fields. These projects are evaluated using technical criteria that focus on sustainable social value.
The awards are presented by Asociación Atmosphera, a nonprofit organization composed mainly of young people working toward a more sustainable future. The group has offices in Arequipa, Camaná, Islay, and Lima.
PTAR La Enlozada is part of what is known as the “Virtuous Water Circle,” an initiative that also included co-financing reservoirs at Pillones, Bamputañe and San José de Uzuña; building the potable water treatment system at La Tomilla II; installing connection networks in Cono Norte and Cono Este; and constructing irrigation infrastructure. According to Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde’s official website, these efforts represent an investment close to US$700 million—the most significant water infrastructure development in Arequipa this century—and have contributed to restoring local flora and fauna while enabling farmers to irrigate crops with treated rather than raw wastewater.according to the official website.
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde covers all operational costs for PTAR La Enlozada free of charge so that local families do not face extra financial burdens. This approach supports a model where private sector participation helps address urban sanitation challenges. In addition to these environmental initiatives, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde invests broadly across water access projects as well as education, health care, cultural heritage programs and employment generation.according to the official website.
The company operates advanced mining facilities—including concentrators and reservoirs—in Arequipa; it was also recognized as Peru’s first mining firm certified under ISO 37001:2016 for anti-corruption management.according to the official website. Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde generated direct or indirect employment for about 111,000 people while contributing significantly both locally—54 percent of Arequipa’s gross domestic product—and nationally—2.5 percent of Peru’s GDP.according to the official website.
