Peruvian Minister of Energy and Mines, Rómulo Mucho, emphasized that Peru possesses extensive mineral resources to meet the global demand for critical minerals essential to the energy transition, positioning the country as a key player in combating climate change. He shared this vision at the inauguration of the VI Macro South Mining Congress (CONASURMIN 2024), an event gathering leaders, mining executives, experts, and academics in Moquegua, which will run until November 8.

Mucho advocated for a modern and responsible mining industry, highlighting its longstanding role in Peru’s economy. Reflecting on his participation at the recent IMARC 2024 mining summit in Australia, he noted that climate change requires greater availability of “critical minerals” vital for clean energy technologies, and emphasized that Peru is well-positioned to meet this global demand.

Earlier, Mucho conducted a technical visit to the Quellaveco mine, one of Peru’s most advanced copper projects with a $5.5 billion investment. “We are proud to have the most modern mine in Peru,” he stated. Accompanied by Antonio Mendoza, Head of the MINEM Advisory Cabinet, he witnessed innovative technologies, such as the MineStar system for autonomous truck and drill operations, powered by renewable energy from the Lomitas plant.

Isidro Loyola, Quellaveco’s General Manager, highlighted the mine’s sustainable practices, which include a coarse particle flotation plant that recovers between 2.4% and 4% of copper using recycled water, achieving high environmental efficiency.

Additionally, Jorge Meza, General Director of Operations at Southern Copper Corporation, underscored the significance of the Cuajone mine and Southern Peru’s integrated production chain, which generates valuable by-products like sulfuric acid, molybdenum, tellurium, palladium, platinum, gold, and silver. He announced a new 100-megawatt solar plant at Quebrada Honda, which will strengthen operations in Tacna and Moquegua.

Mucho further noted that copper is the “new king of metals” due to its importance in the energy transition and stated that Moquegua aims to establish itself as the “Capital of Copper and Digital Mining.”

***The VI Macro South Mining Congress (COMASURMIN) and the IV Mining Exhibition Fair “MOQUEGUAMIN” will take place from November 4 to 8, 2024, in the city of Moquegua- Peru. This is the most important mining event in southern Peru this year, bringing together leading national and international mining leaders, executives, and academics.

06 November 2024