Peru Invests More than US$2 Billion in Mining So Far for 2026

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

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Summary

Investments in Peru's mining industry in the first four months of the year increased 43.5% when compared with the same period in 2025. Investments into infrastructure increased 86.1% year on year.

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A Significant Growth in Investment

Peru's mining sector recorded investments of US$2.05 billion in the first four months of the 2026, a 43.5% increase from the same period in 2025. Infrastructure investments led the increase, rising 86.1% and amounting to US$564 million, followed by development and preparation investments, which increased from US$227 million in the previous year to US$390 million this year.

Mining is one of Peru's biggest economic sectors, and mineral account for the country's largest export category. Currently, Peru is the third-largest copper producer worldwide and among the biggest gold producers.

Industrial Info Resources is tracking 766 projects across Peru's Metals & Minerals Industry, with investments totaling more than US$54 billion. Copper projects represent the majority of the investments, amounting to US$35.7 billion across 298 projects, while gold accounts for 126 projects and US$6.35 billion, according to Industrial Info Resources data.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that Southern Peru Copper Corporation was the largest investor between January and April, with 13.2% of the total or US$270 million. Shougang Hierro Peru and Minera Las Bambas were among the other largest investors for this period.

According to Industrial Info Resources database, Southern Peru Copper, which is owned by Grupo Mexico, accounts for 48 projects across Peru with investments totaling more than US$8 billion. These include the Cuajone copper mine expansion, the Michiquillay copper mine and the Tia Maria copper mine.

Industrial Info Resources offers more information on these projects 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 series of reports on the Cuajone, Michiquillay and Tia Maria developments.

The company also owns the Ilo, Cuajone and Toquepala copper operations across Peru. Readers can learn more about Southern Peru Copper's operational mines from a list of plant profiles.

The second largest investing company during this period was Shougang Hierro Peru, with US$198 million, or 9.6% of the total. Shougang's projects focus on iron extraction; Industrial Info Resources is tracking eight of the company projects in Peru, amounting to US$429 million. Readers can consult a list of project reports.

In third place ranked Minera Las Bambas, which owns the Las Bambas copper mine in Peru, with investments reaching US$171 million or 8.3% of the total. Readers can consult a list of project reports.

For this year, the outgoing Peruvian government expects mining investments to reach US$6.3 billion, up from the US$6.23 billion recorded in 2025, the highest in a decade.

"The results achieved allow us to project that mining investment will reach approximately US$6.3 billion by the end of 2026, reflecting investor confidence in Peru's geological potential, macroeconomic stability, and opportunities," said Minister of Energy and Mines Waldir Ayasta during a mining conference in Lima.

Contested Presidential Elections

On June 7, Peru held its presidential run-off election between right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and left-wing Roberto Sanchez, though the final proclamation of the winner has yet to be made by the national authorities, given the close result between the candidates.

According to the electoral authority, Fujimori received 50.13% of the votes and Sanchez 49.86%, with 99.99% counted. However, no final announcement has been made pending reviews of contested ballots.

The close result underscores Peru's political divide and ongoing crisis, after eight different presidents and a fragmented parliament over the last decade.

Fujimori, as part of her campaign, vowed to strengthen Peru's mining sector and attract international investments to the country.

Key Takeaways

• Mining investments between January and April reached US$2.05 billion, up 43.5% year-over-year.
• Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Shougang Hierro Peru, and Minera Las Bambas were the largest investors.
• Investments into infrastructure increased 86.1% year-over-year, amounting to US$564 million.

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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).