The Mines and Energy Ministry said Thursday that mining investments totaled $2.25 billion in the January-to-April period.

Mining companies spent $544 million on infrastructure in the four-month period, which is more than double the same period in 2011, the ministry said.

Expenditures on processing-plant equipment rose 12% to $245 million, while spending on mining equipment was up 49% to $141 million.

According to a report by Dow Jones Newswires, spending on exploration decreased 9% to about $229 million, while expenditures on production also were down at $251 million, the ministry said.

Spending on preparation activities decreased 28% to $201 million, according to the government. The remaining investments, worth about $637 million, are categorized as "other."

Gold-mining company Minera Yanacocha had investments of $328 million in the first four months of this year, while investments at Xstrata PLC's Las Bambas project totaled $284 million, the ministry said.

Peru is the world's second-biggest producer of copper and silver and a major producer of gold, lead and zinc.

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