Between January and February of 2021, mining production of zinc, tin, iron, and molybdenum surpassed the levels registered during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic stage, the
"Thanks to the price effect, mining exports recovered, especially when it comes to six of the eight main metals. In addition, we are already at production levels higher than those we had (registered) before the pandemic,"
Minister Jaime Galvez expressed.
As of January 2021,
mining experienced a recovery compared to May 2020 —the month with the greatest fall caused by the coronavirus health crisis— he stressed.
"In the Peruvian case, open pit mining recovered better than underground mining," he highlighted at the event titled "Benefits and investment plans in the mining sector."
Mining potential
Likewise, the Cabinet member highlighted that there are currently 19,101,446 hectares under concession (nearly 15% of the national territory) —the potential being enormous.
In exploration, there are concessions equivalent to 0.22% of the national territory and —in exploitation— concessions account for 1.02% of the national territory.
"Less than 1.3% of the national territory is in active exploitation and exploration," he indicated.
"The mining sector has shown its social commitment, resilience, and a solid recovery that boosts Peru's gross domestic product (GDP)," Galvez highlighted.
He also affirmed that the pending challenge is to strengthen social work in the communities where mining is carried out, as well as to boost a greater participation of small and medium-sized companies in the value chain.