Peru Turns to Grassroot Projects to Boost Copper Output

---

Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

---

Summary

Peru hopes to increase copper production by 1 million tonnes annually in the next six years. This goal will require the completion of projects, especially grassroots developments, to help reach that target. Industrial Info Resources is tracking almost 300 copper projects in Peru.

---

A Growing Pipeline

Guillermo Shinno, Peru's Minister of Energy and Mines, told Reuters in an interview that the new government could add 1 million tonnes of copper per year to its current volumes in the next five to six years, based on its project pipeline and the interest of companies.

Peru produced 2.77 million tonnes of copper in 2025, a 1.2% increase from the previous year. In the first seven months of 2026, the latest available data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, show production of 1.59 million tonnes, a 2.2% increase from the same period in 2025.

To add 1 million tonnes in the next few years, Peru will need brownfield and grassroots projects to add capacity and offset production declines associated with lower ore grades and depleting deposits.

Industrial Info Resources is tracking 290 copper-mining projects in Peru, which involve expansions, smelting, mining and more, with a total investment value of more than US$32 billion. Industrial Info Resources offers more information on these developments in its Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Project Database, where readers can find details--including construction schedules, investment values and necessary equipment--in a detailed list of project reports.

Grassroot copper projects can take years to enter production and depend on environmental approvals and other permits, as well as community engagement and land access. That is why the new government, which took power in July, has pledged to reduce permits surrounding copper projects to speed up development and attract more companies to develop Peru's resources.

Shinno said that the changes in permitting would not lower environmental standards in mining projects.

Gains from the Grassroots

Grassroot developments, which involve building new mines and associated facilities from scratch, will be key in meeting Peru's ambition to increase annual copper production by 1 million tonnes.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, 86 grassroot projects amounting to US$13.1 billion could add new capacity. Among the largest is the Michiquillay copper project, owned by Grupo Mexico, which is expected to cost close to US$2.5 billion and add 224,000 tonnes of copper per year, over an initial mine life of 25 years. Readers can consult a detailed list of project reports.

On par with Michiquillay, the Rio Blanco copper project, in which Zijin Mining Group holds a 51% stake, is projected to add 200,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year to Peru's production at full capacity and require investments of US$2.8 billion. Readers can consult a detailed list of project reports.

Grupo Mexico is also developing the Tia Maria copper project, which has a planned annual capacity of 120,000 tonnes of copper cathodes and an estimated capital investment cost of US$1.9 billion. The mine is in advanced stages and is expected to begin production by the end of 2027. Readers can consult a detailed list of project reports.

These three grassroot projects could add around 544,000 tonnes of copper if completed. Other major grassroots developments such as Los Chancas, Zafranal, Trapiche, Cotabambas, Canariaco and several others could help push production further.

In parallel with these grassroots projects, Industrial Info Resources is tracking 209 projects that include unit expansions, upgrades, life extensions and unit additions across copper projects.

Key Takeaways

• Peru hopes to add another 1 million tonnes of copper production per year in the next six years.
• Industrial Info Resources is tracking 295 copper projects in Peru that could help reach that goal.
• Developing grassroots projects will be key to increasing production.

---

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news, and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing, and energy-related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified, and verified plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).