Peru’s critical minerals opportunity cannot wait

As the global energy transition accelerates, competition for critical minerals is intensifying. Countries around the world are moving quickly to secure investment, develop strategic projects, and strengthen their position in future supply chains.

For Peru, one of the world’s most important mining jurisdictions, the challenge is no longer geological potential. The challenge is speed. Ahead of the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026, Julia Torreblanca, President of the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE), delivered a clear message: Peru must accelerate project development, improve permitting efficiency, and strengthen regional cooperation if it wants to fully capture the opportunities presented by rising demand for critical minerals.

Seizing a window of opportunity

According to Torreblanca, the current market environment presents a unique opportunity that cannot be taken for granted. She has stated: „We need to seize this window of opportunity, which we do not know how long it will last, so that the country can benefit not only by unlocking the value of its mineral resources, but also by generating jobs, tax revenues, and the entire supply chain that supports mining development in Peru.”

Her comments reflect a growing consensus across the industry. While demand for copper and other strategic minerals continues to grow, investment capital is increasingly mobile, and countries are competing aggressively to attract it.

Faster permitting without lowering standards

One of the most important themes emerging from the discussion is the need to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental and social safeguards. Torreblanca emphasized that competitiveness does not require lower standards. Instead, it requires more predictable and efficient processes. As Torreblanca expressed: „The opportunity we have is to simplify permitting, accelerate reviews and approvals when appropriate, or non-approval when warranted, without lowering standards, but within shorter timeframes so that we can also compete with other countries that are attracting investment.”

As neighboring countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador continue advancing efforts to attract mining investment, the ability to make timely decisions is becoming a strategic advantage.

Building regional partnerships

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Torreblanca’s message was her call for greater regional integration.

Rather than viewing neighboring countries solely as competitors for investment, she sees an opportunity to create stronger mining ecosystems through collaboration, shared expertise, and cross-border partnerships. She has stated: „There is an opportunity in these partnerships not only to create synergies, but also to learn best practices from one another and simplify permitting processes, undoubtedly helping unlock the value of the minerals the world needs today.”

With its exceptional geological endowment, mature mining sector, experienced contractors, and well-established supply chain, Peru is well positioned to play a leadership role in this regional transformation.

As Torreblanca noted, Peru can contribute far more than mineral production alone. It can export knowledge, services, innovation, and operational expertise across the region.

Lima prepares to welcome the global mining community

These discussions will take center stage when the World Mining Congress returns to Peru after 52 years. For Torreblanca, the significance of WMC 2026 extends far beyond the technical program. She has expressed: „It is a very important milestone for the Peruvian mining industry because it brings together not only technical professionals from the sector, but also investors interested in learning firsthand about the challenges and opportunities our country has to offer.”

From June 24-26, Lima will become a global platform where industry leaders, investors, policymakers, academics, and innovators come together to discuss how mining can deliver the minerals needed for the future while building trust, accelerating transformation, and embracing technology.