(Kitco News) – According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru (MINEM), copper production in Peru, the world’s second largest copper producing country, amounted to 170,168 tonnes in April 2022, down 1.7% compared to April 2021 (173,159 tonnes).
However, MINEM added that accumulated copper production in Peru in January-April 2022 of 723,917 tonnes was 2.8% higher than a year ago, due to an improved performance from major copper producers, including Antamina Mining Company S.A. (+4.7%), Cerro Verde Mining Society S.A.A. (+10.5%) and Minera Chinalco Peru S.A. (+7.0%).
The ministry noted that the Mina Justa mining unit, operated by Marcobre S.A.C., also contributed to the increase in the country’s copper output.
At the company level, Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. is first with a 21.3% share in total Peru’s copper output in April, followed by Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (20.7%) and Southern Peru Copper Corporation (12.8%).
The ministry added that at the regional level, Áncash is first with a 21.5% share in the country’s total copper production in April, followed by Arequipa (20.9%) and Apurímac (11.7%).