Carolina Garay

Provide specialized and continuous technical support to the Corporate Social Performance team, focusing on the development of recommendations to improve social performance practices. Additionally, promotes strategic and innovative initiatives based on practical, specialized, and solid experience in the social, community, and cultural environments of the mining sector in Latin America.

Human Rights:

• Supported responses to the 2023 World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB) and Gender assessments.
• Assisted in the annual revision of key Sustainability Management documents, including updates to "Our Approach to Human Rights," "Human Rights Policy," and "Our Approach to Our People and Culture."
• Provided analytical support and strategic recommendations for the Human Rights Due Diligence Procedure.
• Contributed to the development of responses for the 2023 Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI) survey.
• Participated in a human rights risk assessment at the Quebrada Blanca project in Chile and reviewed risk assessment reports for the Quebrada Blanca and Carmen de Andacollo projects.
• Advised on the Improve Downstream Due Diligence and Disclosure plan, identifying gaps and securing plan endorsement to enhance compliance and meet increasing external expectations.

Risk management:

• Assisted in developing the "Guidance for the Community Consequence Category in the Teck Risk Matrix" and created associated training materials.
• Authored the guideline “Community Impacts Related to Human Rights in the Teck Risk Matrix,” clarifying its integration with existing risk management standards and human rights practices.
• Proposed a proactive social risk and incident prevention approach, including an early warning system.
• Supported the development and review of the Community Response Mechanism Procedure and Guidance to enhance community engagement.
• Conducted a comprehensive review and provided recommendations on the international applicability of the Community Response Mechanism Procedure.
• Enhanced the “UNGP Effectiveness Review of Site Feedback Mechanisms” tool, aligning it with new Community Response Mechanism procedures and ensuring compliance with MAC TSM and GISTM standards. Focused on increasing practical value and user-friendliness for site applications.
• Contributed to the review of key documents including the Community Response Mechanism, Guidance for Monitoring and Evaluating Social Performance, and the Code of Sustainable Conduct to improve 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.

Manage social performance following the company's CSR procedures and policies, maintaining relationships with ethnic communities and non-ethnic communities, and local authorities across multiple project locations.

• Analyzed social, cultural, human rights, security, political, and environmental risks and impacts associated with the company's diverse projects, including mining, hydrocarbon transportation, and port operations.
• Led land acquisition processes, securing necessary permits, and negotiated agreements essential for project advancement.
• Established and maintained relationships with both ethnic and non-ethnic communities, ensuring inclusive community engagement and support.
• Successfully engaged in consultation processes with communities, resulting in various agreements.
• Successfully executed the resolution of socio-environmental conflicts through conciliation and negotiation, managing critical situations such as blockades at project entry points and access roads. This approach not only restored normal operations but also strengthened community relations and ensured the sustainable continuity of the projects.
• Conducted field studies and developed a social management and relationship plan with stakeholders for the mining project, enhancing community engagement and support.
• Supported deal negotiations and advocated for local hiring practices, promoting community economic benefits.
• Quickly established a credible and effective communication bridge between the community, company, and local authorities, fostering trust and cooperation.

Establish and lead the Department of Social Responsibility and Community Relations, designing and executing comprehensive strategies to ensure compliance with national and international standards, strengthen community relations, and advance the company's sustainability goals.

• Managed and structured the company's CSR and social performance area, aligning with national and international standards from OECD, United Nations, ICMM, and IFC.
• Developed and implemented sustainability policies, procedures, and guidelines ensuring compliance with legislative and global best practices.
• Implemented a grievance mechanism at operational sites to handle community concerns effectively.
• Led baseline studies, stakeholder mapping, and analysis at project sites, enhancing engagement strategies.
• Conducted initial human rights due diligence for the company and its supply chain, identifying potential risks and areas for improvement.
• Engaged with small-scale and non-legal miners to foster compliance and inclusion.
• Designed and executed an involuntary resettlement plan, facilitating port operations while respecting community rights.
• Created a comprehensive expectations document for suppliers and contractors to standardize sustainability practices.
• Developed and led human rights training programs for employees, site social teams, suppliers, contractors, and communities, building awareness and capability.
• Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to achieve the company's sustainability goals and manage risks effectively.
• Applied mediation and conflict resolution strategies to address strikes and roadblocks, ensuring project continuity and enhancing community trust.
• Served as a member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and participated in corporate meetings, contributing to strategic decisions and policy development.

Provide specialized technical support to the National Authority for Prior Consultation, ensuring effective implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes and enhancing relationships with ethnic communities and stakeholders in the mining sector.

• Verified the presence of ethnic communities in mining project areas through field visits.
• Issued certifications confirming the presence of ethnic communities within mining project areas.
• Delivered training on FPIC principles to community leaders and senior mining company executives.
• Supported government teams in facilitating FPIC processes between indigenous, Afro-descendant communities, and mining companies.
• Developed relationships with various ethnic communities, their authorities, NGOs, specialized UN agencies, and local and regional authorities.
• Established and maintained connections with authorities, mining companies, and government agencies to streamline project approvals and compliance.
• Identified risks and impacts to indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in the mining sector, utilizing risk maps and social cartography.

Advise and support all social processes associated with the Betania and El Quimbo hydroelectric projects, ensuring effective community engagement, compliance with environmental and social standards, and the promotion of sustainable development practices.

• Designed local and regional development strategies and productivity programs for communities in collaboration with Red America Company, fostering sustainable growth and engagement.
• Managed land acquisition processes, including securing permits and negotiating agreements with communities, ensuring compliance and support for project development.
• Facilitated conflict resolution and mediation processes, effectively addressing disputes and fostering cooperative relationships.

Analyze cases of human rights violations concerning the right to life, integrity, and security for both ethnic and non-ethnic communities.

• Conducted preliminary assessments to identify potential victims of human rights violations.
• Engaged in relationship-building processes with both ethnic and non-ethnic communities to foster mutual trust and cooperation.
• Assisted in developing strategies for the prevention of human rights violations, incorporating risk management, gender perspectives, differential approaches, and restoration of rights.
• Established and maintained relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including authorities, community leaders, social organizations, NGOs, and government agencies.
• Developed and conducted training and awareness workshops in collaboration with the United Nations, enhancing community understanding and engagement.

• 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.