The mining megaprojects such as Constancia (Cusco) and the extension of Cerro Verde (Arequipa) will start producing commercially this year, and it is expected those will boost the mining GDP, stated the Deputy Minister of Mines, Guillermo Shinno.
He said the construction of the Constancia project is ready. It signified an investment worth US$1.8 billion.
Constancia’s commercial operations should begin by the end of this year's first trimester producing an 80,000 copper fine tons a year.
Additionally, the construction of Cerro Verde extension represented a US$4,6-billion-investment, which will double its production, he noted.
Likewise, it is also expected to begin its first operations phase by the end of this year.
"Nowadays, the principal investment projects are those of copper [...]," he added.
The Deputy Minister of Mines estimated this year mining investments would be of US$8,5 billion, which is similar to those registered in 2014.
Shinno also indicated Las Bambas project (US$10 billion investment) would begin its commercial operations in the first semester of 2016.
"This year, the construction of projects Tía María (Arequipa) and Quellaveco (Moquegua) would begin, as well as the extensions of Toromocho, Cuajone and Toquepala, highlighting also Tambomayo, Shauindo, Inmaculada (US$370 million) among others, will be starting soon,” he added.
Shinno told that Tía María and Cuajone projects would represent a US$2,5-billion investment in two years.
Finally, he indicated the government will continue easing projects in exploration in order to confirm reserves and start their construction from 2017 onwards.
DOP/RGR/MVB