Antamina with a greenlight to expand

Milestone decision

Senace has granted a long-awaited approval for a modification to its environmental impact study for the Antamina copper mine in Ancash. The approval modification will be allowed to extend the mining operation lifespan from 2028 until 2036. The expansion will be followed by a USD 2 billion investment into the Ancash region. Víctor Gobitz, president of the company, hailed the development as a milestone for Antamina and the Peruvian mining industry, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the country and specifically to the Ancash region.

Víctor Gobitz, in a statement, has highlighted that this mining project is a milestone for Antamina and the Peruvian mining industry, which will influence specifically the Ancash region. He has stated: The MEIA is an important milestone for Antamina and the Peruvian mining industry (…) It broadens our horizon and allows us to continue working hand in hand with the authorities and communities,”

Expansion

Based on the approval the Antamina copper mine co-own by co-owned by Glencore, BHP, Teck Resources and Mitsubishi Corporation will be increased by 25%. The open pit will be deepened by 150 meters and ore exploitation will be of ca. 173,000 tonnes per day. The daily waste movement is expected to be 742,000 tonnes.

Local skepticism

All changes that will be implemented, are aimed at ensuring safe conditions for workers, local communities, and the environment However a large scale of skepticism was observed last year. In September, hundreds of residents from the district of Llata protested at the doors of Antamina’s. The demonstrators, protested over alleged unfulfilled agreements, focusing on a common problem in Latin America the clash between natural resource extraction and community rights and environmental preservation.

High-level meeting

The approval was granted one week after a high-level meeting between Ministerio de Energía y Minas and representatives from the largest mining companies operating in Peru. The main aim of the meeting with Oscar Vera was a new digital initiative that will simplify and speed up the permitting procedure.

WMC 2026 in Peru

Taking all the above into consideration we would like to invite everyone to the 27th World Mining Congress will be organized in 2026 in Peru. This event will be a world platform where the future of mining and solutions to appearing problems will be discussed.