Metminco Ltd (ASX:MNC) has opened a community-based business in Colombia which forms a key component of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) community engagement work.

The Quinchips business manufactures and distributes plantain chips, a popular snack in Colombia, and is entirely staffed and managed by women who were previously artisanal miners or the partners of artisanal miners from the Miraflores area.

This CSR program is co-sponsored by the Australian Government through the Australian Embassy in Colombia.

According to Australia’s first ambassador in Colombia, this project highlights the best of Australia's work in the country – promotion of gender equality, a partnership with science and academia, a strong relationship with communities, and sustainable mining practices.

“Planning for success”

Metminco's managing director Jason Stirbinskis said: “We are planning for success in Colombia and with that comes our commitment to positive community engagement and setting the right foundations for the establishment of a long-term mining business that benefits the local community.

“A company’s social licence to operate is granted by a community on a daily basis and, with that in mind Metminco’s programs are consistent with being part of the local community.

“It’s moments like these when we see the very real and positive difference an exploration company can make to a community.

“The initiative was a modest investment for Metminco, commensurate with its current size and operating budget but the ongoing benefits are very significant.”

The Quinchips team at the opening celebration at the Quinchia Cultural Hall.

Background

The company has trained the team in all aspects of administration, sales, production, and health and safety in addition to fitting out one of its buildings as a production facility.

Metminco, which proposes a name change to Los Cerros Limited, recently merged with Andes Resources Ltd to form a Colombian gold-focused explorer in the prolific mid-Cauca gold belt with dominant positions in the Andes and Quinchia districts.