Energy and Mines Minister Romulo Mucho on Thursday affirmed that Peru's copper production increased 14% over the last two months.
"In the past two months, copper production has grown 14% and revenues for the regions, generated by mining, exceeded S/2.3 million (about US$621,453)," the minister told Red de Comunicacion Regional (RCR).
"Moreover, we have issued Ministerial Resolution No. 125-2024-Minem, with which we authorize mining companies to produce 10% more copper, without much movement of capital investment, but improving processes and capacities. That's why I launched the challenge to exceed 3 tons of copper by the end of the year, and we are on the way to addressing it," he added.
Romulo Mucho reiterated that works are underway to make viable mining projects such as Tantahuatay Replacement (gold) in Cajamarca, Huancapeti Expansion (zinc) and Antamina Replacement (copper) in Ancash, Romina (zinc) and Raura Replacement (silver) in Lima Provinces, Chalcobamba Phase I (copper) in Apurimac, and Corani (zinc) in Puno.
"Also underway are Coroccohuayco owned by Antapaccay (Cusco) and Yanacocha Sulfuros (Cajamarca) by Newmont, whose CEO will arrive in Peru next May in order to make some announcements. There are other smaller investments such as Yumpag (Pasco) and San Gabriel (Moquegua)," he affirmed.
"Our goal is to exceed by far last year's investment amount of US$4.7 billion, that is, more than US$5 billion," the government official stated.
Artisanal mining
The Cabinet member emphasized that multisectoral efforts are needed to formalize small-scale and artisanal mining, adding that the Ministry of Energy and Mines will issue the corresponding legal regulation.
"We have a draft of the new regulation. We have submitted the Energy and Mines Ministry's plan to organizations and experts on the issue, that's why there is a need to find the right balance," he explained.
(END) CNA/JJN/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 11/4/2024