Tia Maria Copper Project in Peru Still Delayed

Southern Copper’s Tia Maria project in Peru is still delayed, despite the government’s efforts to restart operations. 

The project, expected to produce 120,000 metric tonnes of copper annually at an estimated cost of $1.4 billion, has faced persistent opposition from local communities. According to Peru’s mining and energy minister Romulo Mucho Mamani, “In 2024, we have tried every way to get Tia Maria off the ground, but it will take a bit longer.” 

Since 2009, protests against the project have led to several injuries and fatalities. 

However, Mamani remains optimistic that it’s only “a matter of time” before the project proceeds. In the meantime, Peru is also progressing with two other major mining ventures, Zafranal and Pampa de Pongo.