Cecilia Perla

Growth and Sustainability VP at Nuton | Creating sustainable practices to transform copper mining

United Kingdom

About

With over ten years of experience in copper analysis and decarbonization, Cecilia currently holds the position of Sustainability Director at Nuton, spearheading efforts to establish a more sustainable future for the copper mining industry. Her journey with Rio Tinto began in 2016, where she recently served as the Principal Analyst on the Copper Group’s Energy and Climate Change team. In this role, her intricate modeling and analysis played a pivotal role in shaping plans for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Before joining Rio Tinto, Cecilia contributed her expertise to governments, universities, and NGOs worldwide. She supported various policy and research initiatives, focusing on the political and economic implications of mining. Her unwavering commitment to sustainable copper production remains a guiding force in her current role at Nuton, where she leads sustainability efforts by designing and implementing industry-leading standards and assessing their success. Cecilia holds a PhD in Political Science from Brown University in the United States and an MSc in Development Economics from the International Institute of Social Studies at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in Holland. She is currently based in London, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Experience

  • Rio Tinto (10 yrs 1 mo)
    • Sustainability VP | Nuton
      May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Principal Advisor - Copper Growth
      Oct 2021 - May 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Developed Net Zero Carbon Pathways for RT Copper assets and projects. Worked with operations to execute decarbonisation projects. Supported decarbonisation planning, tracking and reporting.

    • Principal Copper Analyst - Market Analysis
      Sep 2017 - Oct 2021 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      Produced market outlooks on copper and various by-products relevant to the company. Strengthened the team’s understanding of key market developments in the areas of copper scrap and sustainable copper, both with major impact on climate change. Supported the sales and marketing team's marketing strategies and tactics. Provided support to Strategy, Investor Relations, Legal, HR and other areas of the business to guarantee a consistent internal view of the copper market.

  • Senior Copper Analyst at Wood Mackenzie
    Jun 2011 - Jun 2016 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Developed and updated cashflow models for copper mines and projects, and gained detailed understanding of the cost structure and evolution of the industry. Produced topical research pieces relevant to the copper industry. Presented copper supply outlook to banks, financial institutions and producers. Mentored junior members of the team. Arranged and led research trips to copper operations and projects in various countries, including Chile, Peru, the United States and Portugal. Supported Wood Mackenzie’s mining consulting team on specific consultancy assignments.

  • Metals Analyst at Metal Bulletin Research
    Feb 2008 - Feb 2009 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Carried out analysis and edited the monthly publication “Aluminium and Alumina Monthly”. Contributed to bespoke consultancy pieces on the feasibility of aluminium projects in the Middle East.

  • Research Officer at Policy Network
    Jan 2008 - Feb 2008 · 2 mos

    Contributed to desk-based research on issues of Globalisation and Social Justice. Helped design and plan Policy Network's annual international conference on progressive politics.

  • Consultant at OXFORD POLICY INSTITUTE
    Nov 2007 - Feb 2008 · 4 mos

    Drafted four papers based on the proceedings of the series of workshops entitled "Private sector contributions to public sector performance", held between November 2007 and March 2008.