12:02 | Lima, Dec. 30 (ANDINA).
As companies develop new projects expected to boost the country's mineral output, Peru is expected to see a record inflow of mining investments in 2014, President Ollanta Humala said.
Humala said in a year-end television interview that mining investments are expected to total $14 billion next year, which would be an annual record.
Dow Jones Newswires reported today that government officials also expect companies to restart work at a number of projects that have been put on hold due to community opposition.
In December, officials said that Southern Copper Corp. could receive government approval for its delayed $1 billion Tia Maria project in the next 90 days and start construction in the second quarter of 2014.
Peru's mining investments totaled a record $8.6 billion in 2012. Mines and Energy Minister Jorge Merino said recently that mining investments this year will be greater than in 2012.
The mining sector is an important source of private-sector investments in Peru, one of the world's biggest producers of base and precious metals.
Peru has a pipeline of mining projects worth some $55 billion. New projects are expected to more than double Peru's copper production by 2016, according to the government.
(END) INT/EEP
Published: 12/30/2013