The Lundin Foundation is a Canadian non-profit created by Lukas Lundin, who had a vision for Lundin Group companies to make lasting benefits for communities impacted by resource operations.
LUNDIN FOUNDATION
Community Impact
The Lundin Foundation develops strategic community investments that pave the way for long-term economic prosperity. By focusing on the individual strengths of each community, and assessing untapped market opportunities, the Foundation's programs ensure durable success that goes beyond the life of an individual project. The Foundation believes communities deserve access to opportunities for growth. Successful local solutions demand out-of-the-box thinking, flexibility and an in-depth understanding of the surrounding environment.
The Foundation strives for long-term impact, empowering entrepreneurs and forging partnerships within the following focus areas:
- Environmental and Social Innovation
- Economic Diversification
- Local Supplier Development
- Educations and Skills Training
Social Innovation
Diversification
Development
Skills Training
Sustainability Expertise
The Foundation cultivates expertise and knowledge that is shared across Lundin Group companies to elevate performance, maximize benefits and leave communities stronger than ever before. With an unwavering commitment to responsible resource development, the Foundation supports the development and implementation of sustainability strategies that enable organizations to remain resilient, relevant and competitive in today’s world. As pressing trends emerge and regulations and disclosure requirements shift, the Foundation prioritizes ongoing learning and information sharing to ensure Lundin Group companies remain proactive and agile.
Global Impact
The Lundin Foundation collaborated on 20 initiatives, leading to the following key results:
Stories of Impact
The following stories from our program beneficiaries highlight the transformative power of a shared purpose. They show, through the experiences of five participants in our community development programs, how cooperation and dedication can lead to lasting, positive change for individuals and their communities.
Nurturing Local Potential
With the support of Vicuña Corp. (Josemaria Project), the Local Business Advisory Group was established to foster the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Iglesia. Comprising five local professionals with expertise in business, marketing, accounting, occupational health and safety, and law, the team provided hands-on technical assistance through weekly sessions and mobile visits to nearby communities. Over six months, they delivered 248 advisory sessions, reaching 311 individuals—62% of them women—and supported 105 local businesses. Among the team was Rosa Varela, a legal advisor who grew professionally by transitioning from solo practice to a collaborative setting. Her work deepened her expertise in employment law and empowered entrepreneurs to formalize their ventures. Returning to her hometown, Rosa found personal fulfillment in reconnecting with vulnerable communities and using her legal skills to contribute to their long-term development. The initiative exemplifies the power of local knowledge and multidisciplinary support in driving inclusive economic progress.
“Returning to my community as a legal advisor gave me the opportunity to give back with purpose. Many entrepreneurs came in with early-stage ideas, and through our guidance, they gained clarity and the confidence to move forward. One of our greatest achievements was helping several ventures formalize, while others left with a much clearer sense of direction for their future.”
Scaling up Local Suppliers
In partnership with Vicuña Corp., the Catering Services Program was designed to help local food entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and scale sustainably. Through targeted capacity-building in project management, cost control, and process optimization, participants refined their business models, improved hygiene standards, and piloted new offerings such as frozen foods. The program also supported formalization efforts by guiding participants through regulatory requirements, including health permits and compliance with Argentina’s Good Manufacturing Practices. One standout participant was Griselda Castillo, owner of Luly’s Bakery and sole provider for her family. Through the program, she learned to lead, delegate, and manage time more effectively—transforming her business into a team-supported enterprise. With improved food safety protocols and streamlined production, she now supplies up to 2,000 units of semita bread during peak tourist seasons to mining camps, hostels, and lodgings. The program not only expanded her business capacity but also empowered her to embrace collaboration and long-term growth.
“I started selling bread from a small kiosk. Today, when I look back, I feel emotional about everything I’ve achieved. One of the most meaningful milestones in my journey was seeing my business receiving the permits from the Ministry of Health to operate across the country.”
Unlocking Opportunities in Agriculture
Developed in partnership with Lundin Gold, Somos Semilla (“We Are Seeds”) is a support program for agricultural producers near the Fruta del Norte mining operation. It offers technical training, commercial guidance, and access to a zero-interest revolving loan fund. The program currently supports 37 producer groups and over 100 individuals—46% of them women. In 2024, 35% of total sales went to Lundin Gold’s supplier, Catering Las Peñas, with the rest reaching local markets. One participant, Geky Yuliana Vega of Los Encuentros, began cultivating papaya with her husband after joining the program. With quality seeds and training, they now sell to local businesses, and Yuliana leads the post-harvest work with her family. Their efforts have boosted income and sparked plans to turn surplus papaya into sweets. For Yuliana, the journey has brought confidence, pride, and a renewed investment in her family’s agricultural future.
“At first, I didn’t know where to begin—I really needed guidance. The agronomist showed me how to manage everything, and little by little, I’ve gained more experience than I ever thought possible.”
Women Entrepreneurs Leading Forward
The Soy Emprendedora (“I Am an Entrepreneur”) Network was launched to foster professional and personal growth among women entrepreneurs in Zamora Chinchipe. Supported by Lundin Gold and the Lundin Foundation, the Network brings together 40 women from 38 businesses to exchange experiences, strengthen their ventures, and access new markets. Guided by a democratically elected leadership team and structured through five working committees, it focuses on organizational development, sustainability, quality, communication, and training. With a clear strategic plan and internal regulations, the Network is building a resilient and collaborative ecosystem for women-led businesses in the region. Leaders Cristina Paucar, Sonia Sarango, Gladys Quishpe, and Jessica Romero credit the program’s support for helping shape a shared vision for the future. Though still working toward formal legal status, the Network is optimistic about unlocking international funding and continues to grow through mutual support, collaboration, and a deep commitment to collective success.
Local Participation in Water Stewardship
The Community Water Monitoring program, implemented near the Fruta del Norte operation in partnership with Lundin Gold, empowers residents of Los Encuentros to protect and monitor local water sources. Participants receive certified training—endorsed by a local university—that enables them to collect water samples following rigorous protocols. The program also offers open workshops to promote sustainable water management across the wider community. Since its launch, eight monitoring sessions have taken place, strengthening technical capacity and promoting transparency through public reporting. Local entrepreneur Jefferson Merino, who also runs a yogurt business and supports his family’s farm, joined the program to deepen his commitment to environmental stewardship. Through certified training, he gained essential skills and now encourages others to take part in water conservation efforts. His leadership and collaborative spirit have become a model for shared responsibility, helping build lasting environmental awareness and local engagement in the protection of this vital resource.
“Knowledge is essential, and as members of the community, we’re fully capable of collecting this data ourselves. This experience has strengthened our commitment and given us the tools to share what we’ve learned with others. As community monitors, we take pride in making sure the information is accurate, trustworthy, and shared in a way that truly reflects our reality.”
