MINING · INVESTMENTS
Geological Potential and
New Investments
in Southern Peru
A new mining cycle underway
The southern region of Peru —comprising the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna, Puno, and Cusco— is experiencing a key moment in its mining history. Traditionally associated with copper and gold production, this macro-region is emerging as a hub for attracting new investments, driven by global demand for critical minerals and the need to diversify the country's export supply.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru (MINEM), the portfolio of mining projects in the south exceeds USD 15 billion in estimated investments for the next five years, consolidating this area as the new epicenter of Peruvian mining development.
“Southern Peru concentrates the resources and conditions to be the engine of national mining development for the next decade.”
Geological potential of the southern region
Southern Peru hosts some of the world's most important mining districts. Here, world-class deposits of copper, gold, silver, lithium, and critical minerals are concentrated.
Southern Mining Corridor
New investments and key projects
Zafranal
Teck Resources / Mitsubishi
USD 1,200 M · Feasibility · Arequipa
Coroccohuayco
Glencore
USD 1,000 M · Evaluation · Cusco
Pasto Grande (lithium)
Pasto Grande Group
USD 4.9 M (exploration) · Exploration · Puno
San Gabriel
Buenaventura
USD 800 M · Construction · Moquegua
Haquira
First Quantum
USD 2,000 M · Evaluation · Apurímac
Infrastructure investments: Improvement of the Interoceanic highway corridor, expansion of the Port of Matarani, and energy connection project.
Lithium and critical minerals: The new focus
One of the most relevant developments in the southern region is the growing attention to lithium and other critical minerals for the energy transition. Puno is positioning itself as the main lithium exploration district in brine deposits in the country, with concessions covering more than 50,000 hectares.
Global demand
Batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage
State policies
Strategy for lithium exploration and exploitation
Comparative advantage
Analogous to the salt flats of Bolivia and Argentina
Challenges and opportunities
Challenges
- • Social conflicts: Mining in the south faces high conflict levels, especially in Puno and Cusco.
- • Social license: Need to strengthen dialogue and community engagement mechanisms.
- • Infrastructure: Gaps in roads, energy, and water that limit project development.
- • Regulation: Regulatory and tax uncertainty affecting investment decisions.
Opportunities
- • Economic diversification: Mining can complement traditional activities such as agriculture and livestock.
- • Job creation: Mining projects can generate more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- • Supplier development: Strengthening the local mining services ecosystem.
- • Attraction of international capital: Interest from foreign investment funds in the region.
The south as an engine of development
The geological potential and new investments in southern Peru position this area as the engine of national mining development for the next decade. Although significant challenges exist, the context of global demand for critical minerals and the country's macroeconomic stability offer a favorable scenario for the materialization of these projects.
For companies like COPPERTAC, with a strategic presence in Puno (Pasto Grande Group) and Tacna (Invertac), this context represents a unique opportunity to consolidate its role as a relevant player in the mining value chain of southern Peru.
Conclusion: The south as an engine of development
The geological potential and new investments in southern Peru position this area as the engine of national mining development for the next decade. Although significant challenges exist, the context of global demand for critical minerals and the country's macroeconomic stability offer a favorable scenario for the materialization of these projects.
- World-class mineral resources
- Investments exceeding USD 15,000 M
- Development of lithium and critical minerals
- Job creation and regional development
“Southern Peru has the resources and the conditions to lead the next decade of national mining. It is time to bet on its sustainable development.”