highlighted advances in the expansion of the Toromocho mining unit in Junin region, which is consolidating its position as one of the country's most important copper operations due to its impact on national production.
During a working meeting with Chinalco Peru's representatives, Minem's Deputy Mines Minister Mayra Figueroa was briefed on the initiative, which will increase copper processing capacity at the concentrator plant through optimization of processes such as grinding, flotation, and metallurgical recovery.
As part of the operation's comprehensive improvement, the plan includes molybdenum processing, enabling the production of this mineral's concentrates as a high-value byproduct.
"Both are considered critical minerals due to their importance in the global economy. In this context, Peru ranks as the world's second-largest copper producer and one of the leading molybdenum producers, reinforcing the relevance of projects such as Toromocho on the international stage," Figueroa underscored.
She added that copper is a key resource for electrification and the development of technologies linked to the energy transition, while molybdenum plays a strategic role in manufacturing high-strength steel and in industrial applications related to clean energy and decarbonization processes.
Figueroa noted that Minem is boosting new mining investments by fostering coordination with companies to ensure project development in compliance with current regulations and environmental sustainability standards.
For its part, the company stated that these improvements are detailed in the "Third Supporting Technical Report for the Modification of the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment for the Expansion of the Toromocho Mining Unit to 170,000 TPD."
"This approval grants feasibility for the implementation of 28 projects, which together comprise a total of 33 components with an investment exceeding US$700 million over the next three years," Chinalco executive Alvaro Barrenechea emphasized.
(END) NDP/JJN/MVB