Peru's Mining Exploration Sector Covers 69 Projects with Investment of $757 Million

Paolo Alzamora, President of the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet) of Peru, announced that the mining exploration portfolio for 2026 consists of 69 projects spread across 17 different regions. It is stated that the total investment amount exceeds 757 million dollars, and this portfolio reveals the potential and growth momentum of the country's mining sector. Speaking at the opening of the XVI Latin American Congress of Tunnels and Underground Structures held in Lima, Alzamora emphasized that Peru still has a huge potential for discovering new mineral resources. According to him, the production of geoscientific information stands out as one of the most critical factors for attracting investments and reducing risks associated with exploration activities. In light of this data, the importance of scientific data is increasing day by day with the aim of solidifying Peru's place in the world mining rankings.

Another striking point in his speech was that only 0.3% of Peru's lands have been examined for mining exploration purposes. Alzamora expressed that this low ratio proves there are still many new projects that can be developed in the country and the sector can reach a greater potential. The existing 69 projects are distributed across 17 regions: Ayacucho, Apurímac, Tacna, Puno, Huancavelica, Moquegua, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Lima, Pasco, La Libertad, Ica, Áncash, Junín, Lambayeque, Cusco and Piura. In particular, activities concentrated in the southern parts of the country show the geographical focal points of mining exploration studies. According to the data, the Apurímac region hosts the highest number of projects with 12 projects, followed by the Arequipa region with 8 projects. These regions stand out as the places where the most initiatives for identifying new mineral resources are concentrated.

Paolo Alzamora stated that Peru is one of the countries with the most important geological history in the world, and that this situation creates a great opportunity for economic growth. The increasing international demand for strategic minerals required for the energy transition process and the development of new technologies makes this opportunity even more valuable. The President of Ingemmet said that data based on scientific studies shows that investment is not only about seeking geological richness but also seeking certainty. In order to create a reliable environment for investors, it was emphasized that the institute has strengthened its studies in the fields of geological mapping, scientific research, geochemistry and geophysics. In this way, it is aimed to accelerate decision-making processes and open the door to new development opportunities.

It was emphatically emphasized that the production of scientific knowledge is the first step for the development of mining and infrastructure projects with safer and more sustainable standards. Alzamora stated that the aim of the investments made is not only to find richness, but also to provide the necessary safety for the success of the projects. It was stated that Ingemmet, with this mission, opens new doors for national development while minimizing risks and takes strategic steps for the future. In line with sustainable development principles, it was confirmed once again how critical a science-based approach is for the future of the sector. In this context, it was explained that scientific research plays a decisive role in managing the social and environmental impacts of mining activities.

The President of Ingemmet added to his words that he believes Peru's major discovery in the coming period will not be just a new mining site, but the true great discovery will be science guiding decisions. According to him, with steps taken under the guidance of science, development will cease to be a promise and become an inevitable destiny. Alzamora, who argued that Peru needs to develop the ability to see the future where other countries only see rock, exhibited a visionary approach. This mindset aims to position the mining sector not merely as a resource extraction activity, but as a strategic tool in building the national future. Combining geological richness with a scientific vision is considered a critical step towards increasing Peru's competitiveness in the global arena.