Lima, June 10, 2025.The Young Geotechnical Engineers program will bring together professionals from up to nine countries, announced Luis Tejada Arata, president of the initiative, during the International Slope Stability 2026 (SS2026) Symposium.

The Slope Stability Symposium, organized by the Large Open Pit Project (LOP) and supported in Peru by the Peruvian Society of Geoengineering and the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), is one of the most important mining slope events in the world. It will be held in Peru for the first time, at the Lima Convention Center in the San Borja district from October 26 to 29 next year.

Tejada explained that the Young Geotechnical Engineers program will be a special day dedicated to the participation of students and young professionals from the region.

“There will be keynote conferences, panel discussions with internationally renowned experts, and presentations of selected technical papers. There will also be networking activities designed to strengthen the connection between academia and the mining industry,” he said.

Additionally, a university competition will be held to foster the technical growth and creativity of future geotechnical engineers.

“The competition aims to encourage undergraduate students to analyze and solve geotechnical and hydrogeological challenges applied to mining. It seeks to promote critical thinking, innovation, and collaborative work from the classroom to the professional world,” he remarked.

This will be the first time such a competition is included in the Young Geotechnical Engineers program at the International Slope Stability Symposium.

“We expect remarkable participation from universities across Peru and the region. We expect over 100 young professionals from countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Portugal,” said Tejada.

Driving the Development of Peruvian Mining

Tejada highlighted that slope stability is essential for ensuring safe, sustainable, and efficient mining operations.

“In a country like Peru, which has a complex geography and significant open-pit mining activity, understanding and correctly applying geotechnical and hydrogeological principles helps manage geotechnical risks, optimize excavation designs, and protect both personnel and mining equipment. A robust geotechnical management approach drives overall productivity in mining operations,” he affirmed.

He added that Peruvian geotechnics has made remarkable progress in the adoption of modern technologies, numerical modeling, real-time monitoring, and the training of highly skilled professionals.

“However, the main challenges include the need for constant and enhanced integration of real-time data into decision-making processes, the strengthening of capabilities in remote areas, and the promotion of a preventive culture regarding geotechnical and hydrogeological risks. Additionally, it is crucial to continue fostering applied research and technical exchanges with international expertise,” he concluded.