• Projects will start in the last quarter of this year and 2024. These include three High-Performance Schools in Arequipa, Apurímac, Cajamarca, as well as an international highway to La Paz.

The mining company Southern Peru has identified projects to be implemented under the Works for Taxes program for a total of S/ 1.15 billion. These projects will start during the last quarter of this year and will be completed in 2025.

This substantial investment will be concentrated in the regions of Arequipa, Tacna, Moquegua, Apurímac, and Cajamarca, where the company is engaged in mining projects. Over the past 12 years, the company has completed works worth S/ 600 million under this program. An additional S/ 500 million is currently being invested.

New Portfolio

In this new project portfolio, the company has identified approximately 44 projects, ten of which have already been approved and have their terms of reference and final technical files or, in some cases, are about to start. This was revealed by Felipe Gonzáles, the community development manager at Southern.

He explained that the plan for the Tacna region includes the construction of an international highway from Tacna to La Paz (section 2) at an estimated cost of S/ 236 million. The terms of reference are currently being evaluated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC). In addition, the Callazas Dam (Candarave), whose technical file is nearing completion, will be built with an investment of S/ 133 million.

The plan for Moquegua includes the construction of health centers in Carumas and Torata, benefiting 12,000 people with an investment of S/ 70 million. It is important to note that, in this region alone, works worth approximately S/ 400 million will be completed by 2024, including the Ilo Wastewater Treatment Plant for S/ 105 million, the construction of the Evitamiento Road for S/ 224 million, and the new Fe y Alegría School in the Pampa Inalámbrica area.

Furthermore, Southern is currently building High-Performance Schools (COAR) in both Tacna and Moquegua at a cost of S/ 195 million. The schools will be completed next year.

In Arequipa, the mining company is planning to build a COAR in the Majes district. The project is being evaluated by the National Program for Educational Infrastructure (PRONIED). The school will cost S/ 72 million and will benefit 300 students.

Additionally, Southern plans to implement the comprehensive sanitation project for the Province of Islay, which will involve an investment of S/ 700 million. The project includes the renewal of networks and the construction of reservoirs. Furthermore, S/ 40 million will be invested in the research center (laboratories) of the Biomedical Department of the National University of San Agustín.

Meanwhile, in the Apurímac and Cajamarca regions, the mining company will also support High-Performance Schools (COAR). The investment will amount to S/ 72 million and S/ 79 million respectively.