26 Aug
26Aug


By Genope Media – As governments scramble to secure the minerals that will power the clean energy transition, Peru is stepping firmly into the global spotlight. Speaking ahead of the World Mining Congress 2026 (WMC 2026), Programme Chair Doris Hiam, PhD, called South America—and Peru in particular—“pivotal to the future of global mining supply chains.”Her remarks come at a time when the numbers are telling a powerful story. Peru already delivers more than 2.7 million tonnes of copper annually, accounting for around 10% of global supply. It also ranks among the world’s leaders in silver, zinc, tin, and molybdenum production. Beneath its Andes and coastal ranges lie 10.2% of the world’s copper reserves and nearly 22% of global silver reserves, placing it in rare company on the global resource map.


The Pipeline That Could Reshape Supply

Peru’s 2025 Mining Investment Portfolio, released earlier this year, lists 67 active projects across 19 regions—together valued at US$64.1 billion. That represents a 17.4% jump from the previous year, and signals growing investor confidence despite political and social headwinds. Of these, 36 are greenfield projects worth US$41 billion, while another 31 brownfield expansions total US$23 billion. Importantly, while only US$1.35 billion had been executed by the end of 2024, more than US$11.8 billion is slated to move forward between 2025 and 2028, marking a shift from planning to execution. President Dina Boluarte recently reinforced this momentum, announcing that 134 projects worth US$6 billion are under review. She also forecast that the formal small-scale mining sector could generate US$5 billion in annual sales by year-end, as the government pushes to formalize 31,000 informal miners and introduce a private mining fund for smaller operators.


Mining’s Grip on the Economy

For Peru, mining is not just business—it’s the backbone of the economy. The sector delivers 64% of the country’s total exports and contributes 8.5% of GDP. In 2024, it supported 238,000 direct jobs, with ripple effects sustaining close to two million more. Industry analysts estimate that every US$1 billion invested generates around US$1.8 billion in economic activity across logistics, construction, and services. That multiplier effect explains why the stakes are so high: the US$6 billion investment pipeline alone could add US$3–4 billion in annual exports and boost fiscal revenues by US$1.2 billion.


Challenges on the Horizon

But Peru’s path is not without obstacles. Political shifts, frequent regulatory changes, and community opposition have slowed or stalled major projects in recent years. Disputes over water resources and land rights remain flashpoints, while ESG scrutiny from international investors is tightening. Recent controversy over mining near the Nazca Lines, where protections were rolled back to allow permit applications, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and heritage advocates. Such incidents highlight the delicate balance Peru must strike between economic growth and sustainable, responsible practices'. Hiam framed the challenge clearly: “The demand for critical minerals is not just about scale. It is about how responsibly and sustainably they are produced. Peru can show the world that a resource-rich nation can meet global needs while respecting environmental and community commitments.”


A Global Stage in 2026

These issues will come into sharper focus when Lima hosts the World Mining Congress in 2026, drawing policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to chart the future of mineral supply. With the International Energy Agency projecting that demand for copper, lithium, and nickel could rise sixfold by 2040, the stakes could not be higher. For Peru, the choice is clear: translate its US$64 billion pipeline into operational mines, strengthen governance, and align with ESG expectations—or risk watching competitors seize the moment.


The Bottom Line

Peru is already a mining powerhouse. But in the race for critical minerals, it has the chance to become much more: a strategic linchpin of the global supply chain. If it succeeds, the copper, silver, and lithium flowing from its mountains won’t just power cars and grids—it will power the world’s transition to a new energy future.