Recently we got a valuable reinforcement to our team: Gerardo Yataco. He will be our new Customer Success Engineer, based in Peru. We asked Gerardo to share more about himself and his many years of experience working in the Peruvian mining industry.
To kick things off, could you tell us a bit about your career background and current role?
I was working as a Metallurgical Engineer for many years in different areas in the metal mining industry, both on-site as a “miner” as well as a service and technology provider for mining. After finishing my studies at the National University of Engineering in Peru, I started working at mining sites.
In my current role as Customer Success Engineer, I focus on maximizing our solution’s value for the mine and increasing customer satisfaction. I am the primary contact person for customers in Peru and South America. I am here to support our clients with any technical and business inquiries.
My mission is to help clients optimize their cyanide consumption and process efficiency with our solutions.
What excites you about the CyanoGuards’ technology?
Working at mine sites for years, I know about the negative impact our industry can have on the environment. I am enthusiastic about our technology because it helps gold mining become more efficient and minimize its environmental footprint. The most important benefit is the reduction of cyanide consumption. Another valuable benefit is the reduction of the use of other harmful chemicals used to detoxify mining wastewater.
I am proud that we provide a solution that no one else has, and it is our development. I see so many benefits and can’t wait to present them to our partners and clients.
What is the most rewarding about being in direct contact with our customers?
I love to meet with clients and travel to their sites. This is why I am so excited about this role at CyanoGuard. Additionally, I appreciate the opportunity to meet people from different countries, cultures and to learn from them. If you listen well, you can learn so much about them, the process, and how we can help them. I am constantly learning how to understand our clients better, which is most rewarding.
Did you learn any new skills?
Well, I definitely improved my English language skills. 😊 I have an extensive background in mining and minerals, but I am currently focused on improving my knowledge of the downstream processing in mines, e.g. the detoxification plants in mines. I have also learned so much about the CyanoGuards’ technology, production, device, and CyanoGuard’s way of working in the lab.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend my free time with my family. In 2020, I became a father, and it’s the best thing in the world to spend my free time with my daughter. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, I haven’t been able to visit my extended family. This was a sad and long period without seeing them. We can luckily spend some time together and make up for the lost time.
I love to play and watch football, but all South Americans are crazy about it.
Also, I am a huge fan of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings Saga. I have a collection of all the original books. Now, working for a Swiss company might allow me to visit some of the real-life places that inspired Tolkien’s books.
Last but not least, I am a huge fan of Roger Federer, and I hope to meet him in person. 😊
What do you like in particular about CyanoGuard?
I am very excited that CyanoGuards’ technology improves the way mining works. We have such a huge potential to grow and disrupt different industries and change them for the better.
I’ve been only a few weeks with CyanoGuard, but I have to say I like the diverse team. We might have different views, but we all respect each other’s opinions and ways of working. Before starting with a new company, the most important thing for me is the culture, and I am very glad about my choice!
We are all focused on the same goal, improving cyanide control in mining, and work together to reach this goal.
What is the value that drives you most?
The value that drives me is respect. We don’t have to have the same opinion, but we all have to respect each other’s opinions. If there is no respect between co-workers, you don’t feel appreciated. Here I do feel appreciated and heard.
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