The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on March 24 that direct employment in the mining sector reached 272,423 workers in January 2026. This figure marks a growth of 10.2% compared to the same month last year, when there were 247,098 jobs reported, and surpasses the annual average for 2025.
The increase also represents a rise of 3.2% over the annual average of 264,054 workers recorded in 2025. MINEM said these results demonstrate the ongoing ability of the mining sector to generate formal employment, with contractor companies making up most of this workforce.
At a regional level, Arequipa led with a share of 16.9% of total mining jobs. Moquegua followed with an 8.8% contribution to overall employment generated by mining activities, while La Libertad held third place at 8.7%.
In terms of gender distribution within the industry, women held a total of 21,989 positions as of January—accounting for about 8.1% of all jobs—while men occupied approximately 250,434 roles in mining operations during this period.
Regarding employer type, contractor and related companies provided around 71.8% of all positions created as of January this year—a figure that reflects an expansion rate of nearly13% compared to January last year.
According to MINEM’s statement: “These figures ratify the importance of mining and its role as a national economic engine by contributing to economic growth through job creation that helps stimulate related economic activities and improve well-being for millions across Peru.”
