proEXPLO 2026 president Adán Pino: “Discovery is a team effort—without communities and environmental focus, there is no discovery”

Adán Pino, president of proEXPLO 2026, says mineral discovery now depends on teamwork beyond geology—community engagement and environmental management are essential to advance projects and create value.

Discovery in mineral exploration is no longer driven by geology alone. It now depends on a broader ecosystem that can secure the social, environmental and operational conditions needed for projects to move forward, said geologist Adán Pino, president of the 15th International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers (proEXPLO 2026).

Speaking in an interview with Reporte Minero y Energético on Radio Duna, Pino stressed that modern exploration only works when geologists operate in close coordination with community and environmental teams.

“Discovery is done by a team. And not just a human team of geologists. It also includes community liaisons, environmental compliance officers, and those who support day-to-day operations,” he said.

Community engagement and environmental management are “non-negotiable”

With more than 20 years of experience, Pino argued that it is now “unthinkable” to treat environmental management or community engagement as optional add-ons. Instead, both are core pillars of exploration.

“I can have all the mineral resources I want in the ground, but if I cannot exploit them, their value is zero,” he said, adding that maintaining strong community relationships is essential for projects to advance.

Pino emphasized that exploration teams increasingly recognize that long-term success relies on sustained trust and consistent engagement with communities in the field.

The next generation: training the explorers of the future

Pino also highlighted the need to expand skills and participation among younger professionals, noting that demand for technical and professional talent in exploration continues to rise.

“There is a significant need for workforce, especially in exploration. The new generations will be essential to sustain the engine of discovery,” he said.

To support that goal, he said proEXPLO 2026 will include a dedicated section for early-career professionals through the 3rd International Student Competition, designed to promote young talent and encourage geoscientific research as a driver of sustainable mining development.

Partnerships with global institutions

As part of its push to strengthen training and networking opportunities, Pino said proEXPLO 2026 is building partnerships with major international institutions including the Colorado School of Mines and the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG).

“Within the event, there will be a dedicated section for early-career geologists, giving young professionals direct access to experienced experts who can guide them on the best path to develop their careers in mineral exploration,” he said.

With the industry facing growing pressure to deliver minerals faster while meeting higher standards, Pino’s message is clear: discovery today is a multidisciplinary, collaborative process—where social license and environmental performance are as critical as geology itself.