Carolina Garay

Provide specialized and continuous technical support to the Corporate Social Performance team, focusing on improving social performance practices and promoting strategic, innovative initiatives based on extensive experience in Latin America's mining sector.

• Supported the 2023 World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB) and Gender assessments
• Assisted in the annual update of Sustainability Management documents such as 'Our Approach to Human Rights,' 'Human Rights Policy,' and 'Our Approach to Our People and Culture.' Provided strategic recommendations for the Human Rights Due Diligence Procedure
• Contributed to the 2023 Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI) survey responses
• Participated in human rights risk assessments at the Quebrada Blanca and Carmen de Andacollo projects in Chile
• Advised on the Improve Downstream Due Diligence and Disclosure plan to identify gaps and secure endorsement for enhanced compliance
• Developed the 'Guidance for the Community Consequence Category in the Teck Risk Matrix' and related training materials
• Authored the 'Community Impacts Related to Human Rights in the Teck Risk Matrix' guideline, linking it with existing risk management standards
• Proposed a proactive social risk and incident prevention approach, including an early warning system
• Reviewed and enhanced the Community Response Mechanism Procedure and Guidance, focusing on increasing community engagement
• Conducted comprehensive reviews and offered recommendations on the international applicability of the Community Response Mechanism Procedure
• Improved the 'UNGP Effectiveness Review of Site Feedback Mechanisms' tool, aligning it with new procedures and ensuring compliance with MAC TSM and GISTM standards
• Reviewed key documents including the Community Response Mechanism, Guidance for Monitoring and Evaluating Social Performance, and the Code of Sustainable Conduct to enhance clarity and effectiveness.

Provide technical support to investors and mining companies that are developing or seeking to develop projects in Latin America, offering specialized advice in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

• Designed and implemented social intervention strategies during the mining prospecting process in regions characterized by high social, political, cultural, environmental, human rights, and security complexities
• Conducted initial human rights due diligence for the company and its supply chain
• Prepared detailed reports and analyses of potential political, social, environmental, cultural, and security risks for investors targeting Latin America.

Provided specialized technical support to the National Authority for Prior Consultation, optimizing FPIC processes and enhancing relations with ethnic communities in the mining sector.

• Verified ethnic community presence in mining areas through field visits, issuing necessary certifications
• Conducted FPIC training for community leaders and mining executives to boost compliance and understanding
• Supported FPIC processes between indigenous, Afro-descendant communities, and mining companies
• Fostered strong relationships with ethnic communities, NGOs, UN agencies, and government bodies to streamline approvals
• Assessed and mitigated risks impacting indigenous and Afro-descendant communities using risk maps and social cartography.

Efficiently manage social performance following CSR policies, fostering strong relationships across diverse community and authority groups.

• Analyzed and managed risks and impacts in projects spanning mining, transportation, and ports
• Directed land acquisition, permitting, and key negotiations, driving project progression
• Established and sustained inclusive community relations, enhancing project support and engagement
• Facilitated community consultations, achieving multiple cooperative agreements
• Resolved socio-environmental conflicts effectively through negotiation, restoring operations, and strengthening community trust
• Developed social management plans that boosted community involvement and support
• Advocated for and implemented local hiring practices to enhance community economic benefits
• Established a trusted communication channel between the community, company, and authorities, ensuring effective cooperation.

Led the Department of Social Responsibility and Community Relations, formulating and implementing strategies to ensure compliance with national and international standards, strengthen community relations, and advance sustainability goals.

• Managed CSR and social performance, aligning operations with standards from the OECD, United Nations, ICMM, and IFC
• Developed and enforced sustainability policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to global best practices
• Implemented grievance mechanisms at sites to address community concerns effectively
• Led stakeholder mapping and baseline studies to improve engagement strategies
• Performed initial human rights due diligence across the company and supply chain, identifying critical risks and areas for improvement
• Worked with small-scale and non-legal miners to enhance compliance and inclusivity
• Designed and executed an involuntary resettlement plan, harmonizing port operations with community rights
• Created a standard expectations document for suppliers and contractors to unify sustainability practices
• Led human rights training initiatives for employees, site teams, suppliers, contractors, and communities to boost awareness and capabilities
• Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to achieve sustainability objectives and manage risks effectively
• Applied conflict resolution strategies to address strikes and roadblocks, ensuring operational continuity and reinforcing community trust
• Contributed to the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, shaping strategic decisions and policy development.

Advise and support social processes for the Betania and El Quimbo hydroelectric projects, focusing on effective community engagement, compliance with environmental and social standards, and sustainable development.

• Designed local and regional development strategies and productivity programs with Red America Company, promoting sustainable growth
• Managed land acquisition, secured permits, and negotiated community agreements, ensuring project compliance and support
• Facilitated conflict resolution and mediation, effectively resolving disputes and enhancing cooperative relationships.

Address human rights violations related to life, integrity, and security across diverse communities.

• Conducted assessments to identify human rights violation victims
• Fostered trust and cooperation through community relationship-building
• Developed strategies to prevent human rights violations, incorporating risk management, gender perspectives, and rights restoration
• Maintained robust relationships with authorities, community leaders, NGOs, and government agencies
• Led UN-collaborative training and workshops to enhance community engagement and understanding.

• Conducted in-depth research on indigenous communities in northern Argentina to assess the social impact of mining activities and address disputes related to land and resource rights
• Managed diverse intercultural contexts within mining projects, effectively navigating cultural sensitivities and conflicts to foster dialogue and build sustainable relationships with indigenous communities.