Cecile Munoz, who is the VP of Sonoran Resources – the company SilverCrest contracted to build the mine at Santa Elena – attributed Eric's professionalism to the enthusiasm of the other key players on the project. "Mines build communities," she told me. "Some mines have had a negative impact on the communities they are near. In this case, you have a dedicated, professional and responsible management team. That creates so many opportunities for a community like this one. It's jobs, but it's also more than jobs. This mine will bring opportunities to improve infrastructure here. Tourism. Even small things like laundry services will be required, so it's not just direct employment we're talking about."