In a historic milestone for Peruvian mining, two women from Huamachuco, Jovanna Acevedo y Lidia Quispe, became the first operators of the 100% electric haulage trucks at the Zijin–La Arena mine. This achievement, celebrated as part of International Women’s Day, highlights the progress toward a more modern, efficient, and sustainable mining industry through state-of-the-art technology such as the DTE145 Tonly electric truck.
Jovanna (33 years old), with experience since 2012 as an excavator and heavy machinery operator, completed her training in February 2026. Her main motivation is to provide stability for her nine-month-old baby and her family. Lidia (43 years old), who started in 2011 as an administrative assistant, fulfilled her dream of operating heavy equipment in January 2026 to finance her eldest son's medical studies.
Both were panelists at the III Antawarmi Forum of MINEM, where they shared their female leadership. Their story highlights Zijin – La Arena's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and local talent. In Huamachuco, Jovanna and Lidia are paving the way, inspiring girls and young women to see mining as a space for growth, leadership, and community development, built on the pillars of technology, sustainability, and equal opportunities.
This breakthrough not only transforms the industry, but also entire lives and communities.
