Peru Aims to Boost Copper Production to Four Million Tons Annually

Peru’s copper production could rise from nearly three million metric tons per year to four million in the coming years, according to Energy and Mines Minister Jorge Montero.

“Just with the northern mining corridor, primarily in the Cajamarca region, we could increase annual copper production by one million fine metric tons, bringing total output from nearly three million to four million tons,” Montero told Andina News Agency.

The minister indicated that concrete and coordinated projects could be launched in the northern mining corridor within the next three years, in collaboration with local authorities and communities. Beyond Cajamarca, other regions with significant geological potential, such as Apurimac and Ancash, also present opportunities for expanding copper output. The Haquira project and additional developments in Apurimac, as well as large copper deposits near Antamina’s operations in Ancash, could further contribute to national production.

Montero emphasized that Peru could reach record copper production levels within the next decade, but achieving this requires activating new mining projects and ensuring agreements with local communities. He stressed that any expansion must be conducted in an orderly, democratic, and transparent manner, with input from regional, provincial, and district authorities, as well as community organizations.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ latest Mining Statistical Bulletin, Peru's copper production totaled 2,736,150 fine metric tons by the end of 2024.