Last May, copper production in Peru totaled 234,781 fine metric tons (FMT), reflecting an increase of 34.7% over the same month in 2022 (174,258 FMT), the
According to its Mining Statistical Bulletin (BEM), said expansion is the outcome of higher production levels at Southern Peru Copper Corporation (8.0%) and Cerro Verde mining society (5.9%).
It should be noted that there were exponential increases at Las Bambas and Quellaveco mining companies last May.
In the case of Las Bambas, it did not register production due to stoppage at its plant linked to social conflicts, while Quellaveco had just started operations in September 2022.
Accumulated production
In this sense, the production recorded in May, together with the amounts registered during previous months, enabled copper production in Peru to reach 1,072,294 FMT thru the fifth month of 2023. It meant an increase of 19.4% over the same period of 2022 (898,189 FMT).
By mining companies
Cerro Verde remained the largest copper producer nationwide, accounting for 18.2% of the total.
In turn, Antamina mining company ranked second (15.7%) and Southern Peru Copper Corporation held the third position (13.9%).
By regions
At the regional level, Arequipa held the first position as of May 2023, accounting for 18.4% of the total. Cerro Verde stood out in this region.
For its part, Moquegua was second, representing 16.1%. It must be noted that Anglo American Quellaveco shone in this region.
Ranked third, Ancash represented 15.9% of the total, with Antamina standing out in this area.
Zinc production
Regarding zinc production, a total of 126,877 FMT was reported in Peru last May. It meant an 8.2% increase compared to the same month in 2022 (117,210 FMT).
It was the outcome of higher production levels at mining companies Antamina (+16.9%), Volcan (+41.5%), and Chungar (+31.4%).
Despite this increase, the accumulated analysis thru May reflected a contraction of 0.4% as a result of lower production level registered at Antamina in March 2023.
Mining holders
Antamina consolidated as the main zinc producer nationwide, accounting for 36.5% of the total.
It was followed by Volcan (12.1%), which held the second position.
In turn, Nexa Resources Peru was ranked third (5.0%).