Andina

Peru: Gold, copper projects lead this year's mining exploration portfolio

15:11 | Lima, Mar. 22.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) on Tuesday reported that, according to the 2022 Portfolio of Mining Exploration Projects, there are 23 gold projects nationwide —thus ranking first in the portfolio— which together add up to an investment of US$254 million and account for 43.4% of the nationwide exploration budget.

These initiatives are part of the following projects: La Zanja, based in Cajamarca, which has pledged an investment of US$114 million; as well as Las Defensas, based in La Libertad, which requires an investment of US$69 million. 

The aforementioned mining projects are operated by Buenaventura and La Poderosa mining companies, respectively.

Minem states that exploration is essential for the development of mining. Therefore, it is the first link in the most important economic activity in Peru, making it possible to find new deposits and to extend the useful life of the mines that are currently in operation, which expands the attraction of domestic and foreign investment in favor of the country.

Next in line are copper projects. The current Portfolio includes 20 projects of this type with a combined investment of US$211 million, representing 36.1% of the nationwide investment.

The projects that stand out in this group include Ancash-based Soledad, with an investment of US$47 million; Pampa Negra, based in Moquegua, which entails a US$45 million investment; and Chapitos, based in Arequipa, a project requiring a US$41 million investment.

These three mining exploration projects are operated by Chakana Copper, Nexa Resources, and Camino Minerals, respectively.

It should be noted that copper is the main metal exported by Peru and one of the largest revenue generators for the national exchequer.

(END) NDP/CNA/JJN/RMB/MVB

Published: 3/22/2022