The region is home to six projects valued at over $4.3 billion. Seven years ago, Moquegua became the site of the country’s last major mining investment when construction of Quellaveco began.

“Moquegua is a region that stands out not only for its geological wealth but also for its commitment to modern mining.” This is how the president of PERUMIN 37, Jimena Sologuren, highlighted the southern region during the Rumbo a PERUMIN event, held by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP) as part of the Jueves Minero program.

During the session titled “Mining for the Development of Moquegua,” it was noted that the region was the main destination for mining investment at the end of the first quarter of 2025, with over US$176 million executed (16% of total national investment).

“In addition to hosting Quellaveco—one of the most modern mines in the country and a symbol of Moquegua’s commitment to technological and sustainable mining—the region is home to six mining investment projects totaling more than US$4.3 billion. These projects include San Gabriel, by Buenaventura, which is currently under construction, and Los Calatos, in the prefeasibility stage with high development potential,” said Jimena Sologuren.

The Most Competitive Region

For his part, Domingo Drago, the president of Rumbo a PERUMIN activities, stated that mining is crucial to Moquegua’s development and has significantly contributed to the well-being of its population. “It is the third region to receive the most benefits from mining royalties and the mining canon, with more than S/1.034 billion in 2024. In 2023, for example, its GDP grew by 33% with the start of production at the Quellaveco mine,” explained Domingo Drago.

The president of Rumbo a PERUMIN noted that the Peruvian Institute of Economics recognized Moquegua as the most competitive region in the country in the Regional Competitiveness Index. He highlighted that the region has the highest GDP per capita in the country, the second-highest levels of access to electricity, water, and sanitation, 84.5% Internet coverage, the lowest rate of chronic malnutrition, and the highest school attendance rate at 97.2%.

In this regard, the event emphasized that mining investment will be crucial for Moquegua to advance its development and promote greater well-being for its population. In addition to projects pending construction, such as Los Calatos and San Gabriel, Jimena Sologuren noted that the region also has seven greenfield exploration projects, primarily focused on copper.

For his part, Domingo Drago called for greater efforts to promote mining investment not only in Moquegua but across Peru, noting that the last major mining investment took place in this region seven years ago, with the start of construction of Quellaveco. “Investments are made where there is predictability, as a return on capital is expected over time. It is the State’s responsibility to foster trust and stability,” said Drago.

It is worth mentioning that the Rumbo a PERUMIN event “Mining for the Development of Moquegua” was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, as well as from Anglo American, Compañía de Minas Buenaventura, and Minera Hampton—all of which have operations in the region.