Santa Marta, November 3 of 2026
In partnership with the Universidad del Magdalena, Drummond Ltd. developed a new<br/>technology transfer initiative focused on “best practices in supply chain management and<br/>service contracting within the mining industry,” with the goal of sharing the company’s<br/>experiences, knowledge, and lessons learned with students from this higher education<br/>institution.
During the session, professionals from Drummond Ltd. covered various aspects of supply<br/>chain management—ranging from an overview of procurement processes and the<br/>company’s business lines to the specific competencies and professional profile required<br/>of a buyer to meet the needs of mining and port operations.
The meeting provided insight into how their<br/>processes have evolved—particularly the transition<br/>from manual to digital—as well as the various<br/>methods for procuring goods and services,<br/>conducting market research, and verifying suppliers—<br/>all of which are essential for ensuring efficient<br/>processes that align with operational needs.
“We shared over 20 years of experience in supplychain management with the students, covering topics such as supplier management andthe procurement of goods and services. It was an enriching session that allowed us tointroduce students to the challenges and dynamics of these processes within the miningindustry, while also facilitating an exchange of knowledge and experience,” noted Jorge Cotes García, Purchasing Manager at Drummond Ltd.
Another component of the knowledge transfer focused on logistics and warehouse<br/>management. Through practical case studies, participants explored the processes<br/>involved in this area, the role of warehousing within the supply chain, and the challenges<br/>of ensuring the availability of supplies and spare parts amidst global supply and demand<br/>dynamics.
“I am very pleased to have taken part in this exercise. It not only gives us the opportunity
to show students in vocational training how each person—through their specific role and
expertise—contributes to achieving company goals—and, by extension, to improving
conditions in the region, the country, and the world—but, by listening to them, it also
reminds us how important it is to maintain an open-minded attitude, a constant desire to
learn, and a lack of fear toward change,”
noted Carolina Parodi Gómez, Imports Manager at Drummond Ltd.
For his part, Armando Robles Maestre, logistics manager at Drummond Ltd., stated:
“It
was highly valuable to share with the students’ real-world experiences regarding the
challenges we face daily in the logistics management of a mining operation. We discussed
procurement, specialized transport, inventory management, contingency response, and
the coordination of various stakeholders within the supply chain. Such forums help bridge
the gap between academia and the business world, while conveying to new generations
the importance of logistics for the development and sustainability of the mining industry”.
For the participants, this space<br/>represented an opportunity to<br/>complement their academic<br/>training with experiences from the<br/>business environment and to learn<br/>firsthand about the challenges<br/>faced by the professionals who<br/>lead these processes.
“This experience, offered by
Drummond, has been highly rewarding and enriching for my professional development. I
know that, in the future, it will also prove very useful to me as a professional,”
said
Carolina Bravo Avendaño, a student at the University of Magdalena.
Likewise, the meeting allowed the institution’s graduates to recognize the importance of<br/>connecting the knowledge acquired during their education with the experiences and<br/>practices of industry professionals.
“These experiences allow me to connect with and gain insight into the expertise that
Drummond possesses in the field of logistics; I can get to know the professionals working
in this area firsthand, learn from them, and contribute value through my own professional
background,”
stated Nicolás Baute Zuluaga, a graduate of the University of Magdalena.
This initiative was part of a knowledge-transfer program that Drummond Ltd. has been conducting with higher education institutions since 2020, with the goal of familiarizing students with the dynamics of the mining sector, helping to strengthen their skills, and sharing best business practices.