The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on April 14 the progress made in the expansion of the Toromocho mining unit in Junín, which is becoming one of Peru’s most significant copper operations due to its impact on national production.
The expansion is expected to increase the processing capacity for copper at the concentrator plant through improvements in grinding, flotation, and metallurgical recovery. The initiative also includes processing molybdenum, allowing for valuable by-product concentrates.
“Both are considered critical minerals due to their importance in the global economy. In that context, Peru positions itself as the second largest producer of copper worldwide and one of the main producers of molybdenum, which reinforces the relevance of projects like Toromocho on the international stage,” said Mayra Figueroa, Vice Minister of Mines at MINEM. Figueroa also said that copper is essential for electrification and technologies related to energy transition, while molybdenum plays a strategic role in manufacturing high-strength steels and applications linked to clean energy and decarbonization processes.
Figueroa said MINEM encourages new mining investments by promoting coordination with companies to ensure development according to current regulations and environmental sustainability standards. Chinalco representatives highlighted that these improvements are detailed in their “Third Technical Support Report for Modification of the Detailed Environmental Impact Study for Expansion Project UM Toromocho to 170,000 TPD,” approved by Senace. “This approval grants viability for implementing 28 projects comprising a total of 33 components with an investment exceeding $700 million over the next three years,” said Álvaro Barrenechea from Chinalco.
The Ministerio de Energía y Minas contributes to social well-being by encouraging harmonious relations among sector participants, communities and the environment according to its official website. The ministry utilizes its central headquarters in San Borja along with regional directorates across Peru to support operations. It promotes sustainable mining and energy development aimed at boosting economic growth while protecting both communities and nature according to official information.
Looking ahead, MINEM will continue supporting national policies designed around sustainable growth through technical guidance, community engagement initiatives, regulatory oversight and partnerships across sectors as described by its official site.
