Libero Copper & Gold Corporation (TSXV:LBC) has been selected as one of only 12 companies for the Source2Equal program in Colombia.
The programme, run by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, recognizing the alignment of Libero Copper to the aims of the programme to promote gender equality in supply and production chains by supporting the growth of women-led businesses and increasing their access to markets.
Libero Copper is among the 12 companies selected, which include some of the most important companies in Colombia, such as Alpina, Bancolombia, Coca-Cola Femsa, Grupo Éxito, Juan Valdez, Postobon, and Unilever. The program seeks to provide technical assistance, training, and access to finance for women-owned businesses to help them grow and succeed.
Libero Copper is fully committed to supporting Mocoa and Putumayo in Colombia. Over 85% of the company’s employees are from the region, and over 60% of its professionals are women. In order to maximize the benefits for the region, Libero Copper is focused on building strong supply and production chains, including through its involvement in the Green Route Alliance, which is a roadmap for the development of a copper-based production chain in Mocoa and Putumayo. This roadmap was created at the request of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia.
By prioritizing local talent, equity, and inclusion, Libero Copper currently works with over 230 suppliers from the region, 38% of them belongings to women, who together have generated more than 527 additional jobs.
According to a study by the IFC, as of 2021, approximately 28% of businesses in Colombia are owned by women. However, only about 10% of these women-owned businesses are formal, and large corporations and governments spend less than 1% of their procurement budgets on women-owned and led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs).
A prime example of success is Diverso Mocoa, a local clothing manufacturer, which has been working with Libero Copper to provide uniforms, clothing, and apparel for the company. The owner and operator of Diverso Mocoa, Magali Rodriguez, has been selected to participate in the Source2Equal program and serve as a key speaker at the launch event on April 27th. She is the only speaker from outside the major metropolitan areas of Colombia.
“We are honored with the recognition associated to be selected to participate in the Source2Equal programme of the IFC and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia. It is a testament to our team’s commitment to gender equality and our values,” CEO and President,” Ian Harris, said.
“Our team, largely composed of local individuals, especially professional women, is proud to make a positive impact in the region they call home. They prioritize local talent and suppliers, and overcome barriers, create solutions, and develop capacity, often in their own personal time, for passionate local entrepreneurs.
“Our participation in this programme is a testament to the dedication of our team to creating a sustainable, equitable, and thriving industry in Mocoa and Putumayo, underpinned by one of the most important copper resources in Colombia.
“We are excited to continue our work towards maximizing economic retention and added value in the region, while also empowering and supporting equality.”
Since working with Libero Copper, Diverso Mocoa has grown from generating three jobs to employing 15 women heads of household. Additionally, Diverso Mocoa has invested in more machines, improved its capacity, and sought out quality suppliers.
The relationship has helped Diverso Mocoa become more competitive and sustainable in the long run, while also contributing to the growth supply chains in the local economy and the promotion of gender equality. As part of the Source2Equal program, Diverso Mocoa will have access to capacity building on corporate requirements and access to financing and become part of a pool of WSMEs for corporate partners.
About the Mocoa Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposit
The Mocoa deposit is located in the department of Putumayo, 10km from the town of Mocoa. Libero Copper’s district scale holdings cover over 1,000sq. km encompassing most of the Jurassic porphyry belt in southern Colombia. Mocoa was discovered in 1973 when the United Nations and the Colombian government conducted a regional stream sediment geochemical survey.
Between 1978 and 1983, an exploration programme was carried out that consisted of geological mapping, surface sampling, ground geophysics (IP, magnetics), 31 diamond drill holes totalling 18,321m and metallurgical test work culminating in a positive pre-feasibility study (the pre-feasibility study is historical in nature only and should not be relied upon as it is not NI 43-101 compliant). B2Gold subsequently executed diamond drill programs in 2008 and 2012. Libero Copper drilled Mocoa in 2022 and intercepted 840 metres of 0.72% copper equivalent (see press release dated April 26, 2022).
A pit constrained inferred resource at Mocoa contains 636 million tonnes of 0.45% copper equivalent (0.33% Cu and 0.036% Mo) generated using $3/lb Cu and $10/lb Mo, containing 4.6 billion pounds of copper and 511Mlbs of molybdenum. The Mocoa deposit appears to be open in both directions along strike and at depth. Current work on the property has identified additional porphyry targets including the possible expansion of known mineralization.
For further information please visit: https://www.liberocopper.com/
