Peru, the second largest copper producer in the world, has a portfolio of 60 mining exploration projects, of which 17 are for copper.
BNamericas provides an overview of the five most important copper projects, which will require a combined investment of around US$120mn.
PAMPA NEGRA
This US$45.5mn greenfield project in Moquegua, about 40km south of Arequipa, is operated by Minera Pampa del Cobre. The environmental management instrument was approved, but the company has not requested an exploration permit. The company plans surface diamond drilling.
LOS CHAPITOS
Camino Resources is the operator of this US$41.3mn greenfield project in Caravelí province, Arequipa region.
Current main objectives are reconnaissance and geological evaluation of the area to estimate and confirm mineral reserves, using surface diamond exploration.
According to the BNamericas projects database, diamond drilling of the DCH-066 well started last October and is the first of a planned 3,000m drilling campaign, in addition to the 19,161m already drilled in 2017 and 2018.
The well is designed to test near-surface oxide mineralization at the Carlotta target and high-grade deep sulfide mineralization at the Diva fault.
SUYAWI
Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration is operating the US$15mn greenfield project in Tacna region 4,200m above sea level.
The company plans to drill 104 exploration holes.
An environmental management instrument has been approved, but the company has not yet requested authorization to start exploration.
AMAUTA
This US$10mn greenfield project in Caravelí province is operated by Compañía Minera Mohicano.
The company seeks to determine the mineralized body and quantify the mineralized reserves.
In March 2019, the company announced the start of exploration activities.
SAN ANTONIO
Located on the eastern slope of the Andes, this US$8mn greenfield project in Apurímac region is operated Sumitomo Metal Mining.
The company plans diamond drilling and exploration trenches over 32,000m, with the implementation of platforms, trenches, wells and auxiliary facilities.
Preliminary consultations are concluded and the environmental management instrument has been approved.
In January 2020, the company requested exploration authorization, which is under evaluation.
Photo credit: Mines and energy ministry