Minister of Energy and Mines Waldir Ayasta Mechán announced on April 27 the opening of Expocobre 2026, the third edition of the Copper Conference and International Mining Fair. The event brings together major figures from the global copper industry.
The minister said that copper has become a critical resource for sustainable development due to increasing electrification and growth in renewable energy. He also noted that Peru is positioned as a key supplier of critical minerals, with a record production of 2.77 million metric tons of copper by the end of 2025.
Ayasta said that mining generated more than 264,000 direct jobs in 2025, investments exceeding $6.2 billion, and exports over $62 billion. He highlighted Peru’s portfolio of 65 mining investment projects across 19 regions and introduced a new exploration project portfolio for 2026 with 69 initiatives aimed at discovering new resources.
The Ministry contributes to social well-being by encouraging harmonious relations among sector participants, communities, and the environment according to its official website. It operates through its central headquarters in San Borja as well as regional directorates throughout Peru according to its official website. The Ministry promotes sustainable mining and energy development to support economic growth while protecting the environment according to its official website.
Ayasta toured company booths at Expocobre and invited attendees to visit the Ministry’s stand for specialized information about national projects. The conference runs from April 27-29 in Lima with representatives from countries including Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Panama, Mexico, United States, Canada, Spain, Finland, Italy, China and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ministry operates under ministerial guidance according to its official website, serves communities through national policies and regional operations according to its official website, influences policy via regulations supporting sustainability according to its official website, manages sector policies for economic growth while offering technical support services according to its official website.
