stated that the construction of the Tia Maria mining project could begin in August or September of this year.
"The project with the most developed profile for initiating construction activities this year is the Tia Maria project in Arequipa," Montero stated.
"This project is making significant progress on social matters, and its capacity for social engagement is on the right track. I believe good decisions have been made regarding environmental issues," he added before the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP).
Under that premise, the government official said the project's construction should begin this year "without delay."
"It could start in August or September," he specified when asked about a tentative date.
The Cabinet member underscored that he maintains fluid communication with Southern Copper, adding that, if the final pending adjustments are met, the estimated date will be confirmed.
"We are very close. Only a few short-term details need to be addressed in the coming months to complete the process and finally begin construction," he explained.
As is known, Southern Copper Corporation updated the Tia Maria project's budget to US$1.802 billion.
As of December 31, 2024, the company has created over 614 jobs through the mining initiative, 492 of which have been filled by local applicants.