Andina

Peru: Copper output up 3.6% in Jan-Nov 2017

Las Bambas

Las Bambas

09:13 | Lima, Jan. 5.

Peru's copper production reached 2,220,163 fine metric tons (FMT) between January and November 2017, up by 3.6% over the same period in 2016, Energy and Mines Ministry (MEM) reported.

"Mining production [in Peru] has been rising thanks to investments carried out in past years, as well as to the continuous investments made by companies," Deputy Mines Minister Ricardo Labo expressed.

Likewise, he noted output indicators were significantly positive last November. He also projected they will remain on the upward trend throughout 2018.

According to MEM-General Mining Bureau's (DGM) statistics, higher production of iron (+12.3%), zinc (+10.7%), and molybdenum (+8.6%) was also registered in the January-November period.

Last November, production activities were registered at 661 mining units, whereas exploration operations were reported at 306 units.

In this sense, total mining activities cover 1,662,528 hectares, which account for 1.29% of the national territory. 

Copper

Copper production expanded 3.8% in November 2017, if compared to the same month in 2016.

Said rise was underpinned by greater dynamism at Las Bambas, Antamina, Antapaccay, and Chinalco mining companies.

At the regional level, Arequipa, Apurimac, Ancash, Cusco, and Junin account for 80% of the country's total copper output.

(END) MDV/MDV/JAA/MVB

Published: 1/5/2018