Juan Fernando Nuñez Chavez is the Vice President of Exploration at Southern Copper Corporation, a leading integrated copper producer. In this role, he directs the company's worldwide exploration strategy, focusing on brownfield expansions and greenfield discoveries to sustain long-term growth. With more than 25 years in the mining industry, Nuñez Chavez oversees a team of geologists and specialists across key regions in Peru, Mexico, and Argentina, leveraging advanced geophysical and drilling technologies to identify high-potential copper, molybdenum, and precious metals deposits. Nuñez Chavez joined Southern Copper in 1995 as an exploration geologist and advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Geologist and Exploration Manager. He holds a degree in Geology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and has completed executive programs in mining management. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, such as leading the delineation of resources at the Pilares project in Sonora, Mexico, and contributing to resource expansions at flagship operations like Toquepala and Cuajone in Peru, which have bolstered the company's mineral inventory by millions of tons. Under his leadership, Southern Copper's exploration budget has expanded substantially, resulting in new discoveries like the Los Azules project partnerships and ongoing advancements in the IA Plateau region. Nuñez Chavez's strategic vision emphasizes sustainable practices and innovation, positioning the company to meet rising global copper demand while navigating challenging geological terrains.