updated its portfolio of mining exploration projects, comprising 57 initiatives with a combined investment worth US$672 million, Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno reported.
The government official participated in the inauguration of the 23rd Peruvian Geology Congress 2026, held at Lima Convention Center.
Within this framework, the Cabinet member said this portfolio could be expanded next year with the addition of 21 potential additional projects, whose combined investment could reach US$258 million.
Minister Shinno highlighted the role of geosciences in identifying new resources, boosting exploration, and creating conditions for future mining investments.
He noted that the country's geological potential still has considerable room for development, as mining activity is recorded in only 1.5% of the national territory, while mining exploration accounts for just 0.2%.
Geological potential
Geological Society of Peru (SGP) Chairman Carlos Bianchi said that the country's geological potential represents an opportunity for development, but also entails responsibilities in addressing challenges such as climate change, geological hazards, energy security, and urban growth.
Bianchi added that these factors require geology to be "increasingly innovative, integrated, and geared toward society's needs."
In turn, 23rd Peruvian Geology Congress Chairman Cesar Farfan said the event, whose motto is "Geology for the Development of the Country and the Region," brings together representatives from science, industry, academia, and the State.
He detailed that conferences, research, and presentations will be held during the three-day congress.
Topics will include water, climate change, El Niño phenomenon, disaster prevention, mining exploration, critical minerals, hydrocarbons, innovation, and energy transition.
Mining production and investment
During his remarks, Minister Guillermo Shinno reported that national copper production has reached 1.6 million metric tons of fine copper so far in 2026.
The Cabinet member said that mining investment executed between January and July reached US$4.117 billion, 45% higher than in the same period last year.
The government official projected that mining investment will exceed US$7 billion by the end of 2026.
If this projection materializes, Shinno said it would represent the highest amount of mining investment carried out in the past 10 years.
Regarding foreign trade, he reported that mining exports exceeded US$50 billion, equivalent to 75% of national exports.
Likewise, transfers to Peruvian regions from mining canon, royalties, and validity and penalty fees exceeded S/13 billion (above US$3.867 billion), according to figures presented by the minister.
The minister said that mining activity generated an average of 285,000 jobs during the analyzed period, while boosting demand for suppliers, services, and infrastructure in various parts of the country.
Geology and development
Along these lines, the Congress chairman said Peru's geology represents "an enormous opportunity, but also a great responsibility."
Therefore, he said, it is necessary to "study rigorously, develop with vision, and put it at the service of sustainable growth that generates well-being for all."
Finally, Farfan invited congress participants to "look farther ahead" and highlighted the importance of knowledge of the territory for the country's development.