Castilla noted that investment in mining projects is essential to ensure economic growth, which is expected to reach six percent annually in the next years, according to the Multiannual Macroeconomic Framework (MMM) 2013-2015.

Despite the decline in mining production, the forecast is based on domestic demand, construction sector growth, consumption and recovery in private investment.

"The country grows as mining sector grows. Mineral production has decline gradually, but the prices remained steady," he stated.

Castilla added that the tax revenue derived from mining sector is also influenced by international commodity prices that are not controlled by the government.

(END) JCJ/JPC/MOC/EEP