Peru's Government Expects US$7 Billion in Mining Investments and Advances 240 Projects by Year-End

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

Summary

Peru's government expects to see over US$7 billion in mining investments by year-end and expects to advance in mining investments worth US$40 billion by 2031. For 2026, the ministry hopes to grant permits to 240 mining projects. Mining is Peru's leading export sector.

Mining Investments Rise in First-Half 2026

Peru's Minister of Energy and Mines, Guillermo Shinno, told the Peruvian Congress that his government expects to see US$7 billion in mining investments by year-end, the highest yearly figure in the last decade.

According to the minister, US$4.1 billion in investments had materialized between January and July, a 45% increase compared to the same period last year.

The Peruvian government also said that it had granted permits and authorizations to 150 projects representing US$3.1 billion in mining investments in the first eight months of the year. Of those, 87 permits pertain to beneficiation concessions, 39 to exploitation, and 24 to exploration initiatives.

By year-end, the government hopes to grant permits and authorizations to 240 mining projects.

Among Peru's biggest and most important mining projects are Zafranal, Antapaccay and Constancia, whose development the government hopes to advance during its mandate. The Industrial Info Resources Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Project Database offers detailed reports on the Zafranal, Antapaccay and Constancia projects.

In terms of overall metals and minerals projects, Industrial Info Resources is tracking 799 projects in Peru representing US$50 billion in investments. The majority are copper projects, with 294 developments representing almost US$31 billion in investments.

Copper and gold are among the top commodities in terms of Peruvian exports. The South American nation ranks as the world's third-largest copper producer and a top 10 gold producer.

As a result, mining is the country's leading export sector. "It is clear to everyone that the mining sector drives and stimulates the country's economy; it accounts for 9.1% of total GDP and 67.8% of Peru's total exports, while its indirect and induced impact on employment amounts to 2.1 million jobs," said Shinno during his intervention in the Congress.

According to the Energy and Mining Ministry monthly report, between January and June, Peru's mining exports reached US$42.2 billion, with copper accounting for the highest export value at US$19.5 billion, closely followed by gold at US$15.8 billion.

In terms of production, Peru produced 1.59 million tonnes of copper between January and July, 2.2% more than the same period last year. Gold output reached 58.3 million fine grams, a 6.4% drop compared to 2025.

Peru also produces other metallic commodities such as zinc, silver, molybdenum and iron.

The new government of Keiko Fujimori, which took over in July, has pledged to enhance frameworks and cut permitting delays to attract mining sector investments to Peru. Over the next five years, the new government hopes to drive about US$40 billion in mining investment in the South American country.

Key Takeaways

• Through August, the government hopes to grant permits and authorizations to 240 mining projects.
• So far, 150 projects representingUS$3.1 billion in investments have received permits and authorizations.
• Industrial Info Resources is tracking 799 metals and minerals projects representing US$50 billion in investments.

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 validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).