About

Minera San Rafael was created for the exploration, construction and commissioning of the Escobal Silver Mine in Guatemala, which started operations in early 2004. When Sofia Escriba joined the company, the department did not exist in its present form. As legal work was coordinate by different managers within the company, there was a distinct lack of order. Escriba took control of all external counsel and managed to significantly reduce cost by moving all corporate and contract work in-house. ‘The order that was achieved following the creation of the department, enabled me to streamline processes and provide responses in a short time for managers who seek my advice’, Escriba says. ‘During my time as corporate affairs manager, I have been able to adequately manage the different risks that the company faces, which has allowed us to operate smoothly’. Over the years Escriba has also distinguished herself with her ability to influence the strategy of her business, which has been of particular importance given the presence of social and legal challenges in Guatemala’s mining industry. Escriba says: ‘My job within the company is also an advisory role. I work with the director of government affairs to design strategies for stakeholders, I work with the chief of communications to align the communication of the company with other objectives and I also work with the director of sustainability in his initiatives to make sure they are aligned with the goals of the company’. Alongside the company’s director of sustainability, Escriba was behind the effort that resulted in the very first strategic planning initiative within the business. Escriba explains: ‘We were in charge of the preparation and design of the workshops needed for the final [Strategic Plan]. We worked together to select and guide the facilitator for the workshops’. In addition, Escriba is part of the team that promotes the execution of new business strategy, which includes efforts aimed at changing the behaviour of the company, alongside the priorities and focus of the managers. This strategy includes a comprehensive plan to reboot the human resources area through a ‘synergy plan, which is based on five key behaviours’.