The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on April 16 that Puno has become a leading region in attracting mining exploration investments in Peru, with five projects valued at US$146.2 million. This figure represents 19.3 percent of the total amount recorded in the 2026 Mining Exploration Project Portfolio.
The importance of this announcement lies in Puno’s strong potential for gold, copper, silver, tin, and uranium extraction. The region’s participation includes involvement in the second modification of the environmental impact study for Minsur S.A.’s Quenamari tin project.
Arequipa ranks second nationally with eight exploration projects totaling US$145.1 million. These include modifications to environmental studies for projects such as Tambomayo, Iluminadora, and Los Chapitos. Most Arequipa projects focus on copper and gold exploration, which highlights its strategic role in expanding Peru’s southern mining sector.
Ayacucho holds third place by concentrating 16.4 percent of total investment—US$124.1 million across five projects—with Sombrero leading at US$106.2 million following a detailed environmental impact study approval. Apurímac is fourth with an investment of US$102 million, reinforcing its position as a key department for copper exploration crucial to global energy transition efforts.
Investment growth across these regions reflects ongoing interest in strengthening competitiveness and leveraging geological resources favored by the Andes mountains’ presence. The remaining investments are distributed among Moquegua, Junín, Cusco, Lima, Pasco, Áncash, Huancavelica, Tacna, Cajamarca, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Piura and Ica—amounting to US$239.6 million or 31.7 percent of the total across thirty-nine additional projects.
The Ministry contributes to social well-being by encouraging harmonious relations among sector participants and communities while supporting sustainable development through regulations and regional operations according to its official website. It operates under ministerial guidance from its headquarters in San Borja as well as regional directorates throughout Peru according to official information. Its policies aim to foster economic growth while protecting the environment as reported by MINEM.
