Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

I have had the opportunity to implement several actions within our legal department, to improve the performance of the area and the achievement of the corporate purposes. For example, I strongly use technologies to guarantee the correct implementation and continuous update of our Compliance (ML/TF Prevention) System. I also implemented a follow up system to keep a track-record, of our licenses and permits, which allows us to remain attentive to the regulatory requirements in Colombia applicable to our industry, in order to take the necessary measures to guarantee the compliance of all the regulations and laws. Our company also implemented blockchain technology to guarantee to our customers the legal-sustainable source of the gemstones, which is vital in our industry.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

I think that the use of AI technology will see each day a wider use in the Legal areas of the Companies, not to replace the work and expert advisor of the general counsel, but to facilitate several tasks like document revision, contract drafting, among others. Like any technology, we must be cautious with their use, but definitely the AI technologies are here to stay.

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Colombia?

Colombia faced a political turn in 2022, making us expedite the transformation of our operations, for them to be green, sustainable, socially focused, and to contribute to the development of the communities in the area of influence of the projects, among others. Our President is in favour of the mining industry, as long as it benefits the inhabitants of the regions, so we must align with this purpose.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

We started several projects to guarantee that our operations across the world, and particularly in Colombia, are sustainable, like the use of green sourced energy, the recycling of most of our waste: aiming to be carbon neutral in the near future. The sustainability practices are strongly supported by the Legal area, because we must guarantee at all times the fulfilment of the local and international applicable regulations, and the implementation of international sustainability standards like GRI, which we already started implementing.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?

I am passionate about making things right in my work, improving the things that are subject to improvement or change. I am passionate about exercising the legal profession in an honest, loyal way, respecting the opinions and points of view of everyone.