Cornelio Delgado

Chief Sustainability Officer @Zijin Mining Group

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

About

With over two decades of experience in economic development, responsible investment, and value chain optimization, Cornelio is a leader in sustainability and ESG within the global mining industry. He currently serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Zijin Mining Group—a multinational company committed to “mining for a better society,” with operations spanning exploration, extraction, refining, and mining solutions across copper, gold, zinc, lithium, silver, and molybdenum in more than 18 countries. Cornelio has a strong track record of building strategic partnerships with governments, communities, NGOs, and academic institutions to drive shared value and address critical ESG challenges. His leadership has led to the successful implementation of forward-thinking initiatives across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He brings expertise in helping companies embed ESG principles into capital allocation, M&A strategies, and core business decisions. Passionate about advancing sustainable and inclusive development, Cornelio continues to champion transformative approaches that enhance the social, environmental, and economic performance of the mining sector.

Experience

  • Chief Sustainability Officer, Overseas Operations at Zijin Mining Group
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Director, corporate Sustainability at Orla Mining Ltd
    Jul 2022 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • Corporate Sustainability & ESG Performance at First Majestic Silver Corp.
    Dec 2020 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Director, Mining, Sustainability, ESG & Climate Strategy at Palladium: Make It Possible
    Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 · 2 yrs

    - Sustainable economic development strategies for natural resources-based communities. Strategies for inclusive economic growth and actionable plans companies and community stakeholders can execute immediately. Key focus on economic diversification, mining value chain development, and social transition preparation for mine closure—budget optimization through multistakeholder integration and catalyzing new resources through investment attraction and expansion initiatives. - Regional mining readiness strategies to support the mining industry and community sustainability: hub-based models for innovation, economic, environmental, and social impact - Business models design to maximize the positive impact including local suppliers improvement, environmental and climate adaptation strategies, land, and site rehabilitation through collaborative and multistakeholder approaches, impact investing, and shared infrastructure models. - Special purpose vehicles design to integrate ESG factors into responsible investments. - Strategy mapping, sustainable, balanced scorecard, and execution premium managerial strategies to align sustainability and CSR with the corporation business goals. - Geographical focus: Americas, Africa

  • Lundin Foundation (North, Central & South America)
    • Director, Americas. Mining & Sustainability
      Jan 2015 - Dec 2018 · 4 yrs

    • Director, Mining Local Content Initiatives
      Jul 2015 - Feb 2018 · 2 yrs 8 mos