Copper production to take a quantum leap in this mining nation

 That’s Peru. Where authorities said this week they see copper production taking a quantum leap over the next few years.

Those numbers were released by Peru’s Center for Competitiveness and Development of San Martín de Porres University, and the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru. These groups estimate that a full 18 new copper projects are set to start production across Peru by 2021.

Here’s the breakdown:

2018 – Pukaqaqa and Magistral (Minera Milpo), and the enlargement of Toquepala (Southern Copper)
2019 – Quellaveco (Anglo American), Huánuco (Volcan), and the enlargement of Toromocho (Chinalco)
2020 – Calatos and Cotabambas
2021 – Quechua, Galeno, Río Blanco, La Granja, Los Chancas, Zafranal and Michiquillay

Based on these developments, the study authors are projecting a huge jump in Peru’s overall copper production. They expect national output to hit 4.8 million tonnes per year by 2021 — more than double the 2.3 million tonnes Peru put out last year.

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