Interview with Alberto Benavides de la Quintana, interviewed by Andrea Lluch, Lima, Peru

Mr. Benavides traces his trajectory from a geology student at Harvard, to assistant, head geologist and, eventually, CEO of Cerro de Pasco, to university work and, finally, CEO of his own Compañia de Minas Buenaventura. He details his love of mining, eschewing opportunities in politics, business associations, and unrelated expansion to focus on the core mining, exploration, and energy sectors of his company. Mr. Benavides talks about the company's expansion through partnerships with foreign companies and the eventual decision to take it public. He also touches on topics including globalization and competition, government interference, environmental policy, and the importance of perseverance.