Peru expects modest growth in 2025 copper production

Peruvian authorities forecast that the country's copper production will reach 2.8 million tons this year, which is slightly higher than last year's figure of 2.7 million tons. This increase will be driven by investments in the mining industry totaling $4.8 billion.

The country's government is currently trying to combat illegal gold and copper mining, Reuters reports. High yellow metal prices continue to incentivize unauthorized mining activities. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in unlicensed copper production in Apurimac and Arequipa regions of Peru. However, according to officials, artisanal mining accounts for only a small portion of the country's total red metal output.

Preliminary data indicates that copper production in Peru increased by nearly 4% to 660,000 tons in the first quarter of 2025. This uptick was the result of increased investment in developing the mining sector. Between January and March, more than $1 billion was poured into the industry. Further funding is expected to finance mine expansion, exploration, and equipment.