JDS Minera Mexico – Strengthening the Health & Safety of Our Local Communities

How Rafael Durazo and his team made a difference in the community of Opodepe, Mexico

The JDS Group of Companies is committed to strengthening the health and safety of the local communities we are fortunate to operate in. Our Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) team, led by Ian Kopp, is focused on proactively working alongside our customers to enhance the positive effects of our projects and proactively mitigate the negative ones.

As JDS personnel began working at the El Creston Project, located near the small farming and cattle community of Opodepe, Sonora, they discovered that there was a need for emergency aid and an ambulance, as there was no way of transporting those in need of emergency assistance due to the town’s remote location in Mexico.

This inspired one of our own, Rafael Durazo, Procurement & Logistics Manager for JDS Minera Mexico, to find a solution. Durazo, born in Guaymas, Sonora located 100 kilometers south of Hermosillo, where he was raised, spent time consulting with community members to understand their needs. With the support of Durazo’s supervisor, Dan Mirabent, Vice President of Latin America, the team organized the logistics and delivery of an ambulance, supplied medical equipment as well as championed the First Responder Initiative, a tailored HSSE training program for the local community.

Opodepe’s First Responder Initiative is just one example of JDS’ commitment to supporting local and Indigenous communities in which we live and work, beyond the life cycle of our projects.

For more information on our HSSE Program & Services please visit our website.