Growth of The Peruvian Mining Sector | Biz Latin Hub

What Factors Have Influenced the Growth of the Mining Sector in Peru?

What Factors Have Influenced the Growth of the Mining Sector in Peru?

The Peruvian economy reflected one of the highest growth rates in Latin America in 2015, making it a clear and attractive option for international investment. According to figures published by the Pacific Credit Rating (PCR) in its 2015 Sovereign Repor, “despite the difficulties presented at international level, Peru grew by 3.26%, being the second highest rate”. According to the analysis carried out by this institution (PCR), this difference was the result, not only of the measures to increase economic growth implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (CRBP), but was largely due to the development and growth of the mining sector, especially the metal mining sector, which allowed the sector to recover by 15.48% compared to 2014.

 Peru – Mining and Hydrocarbons Sector

Peru ranks second in the world for production of silver, third for copper and zinc, fourth for lead, fifth for tin and sixth in gold.

However, according to figures published by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), the mining sector, together with the hydrocarbons sector, represented 13.5% of the national economy, 1.3% higher than in the previous quarter registered in the same period of the year 2015. It is thus that the metallic mineral Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 25.0% due to a greater production of copper, gold, silver and lead, among other metals. It therefore follows that, and according to information from the National Society of Mining Oil and Energy (NSMOE), worldwide, Peru ranks second in the world for production of silver, third for copper and zinc, fourth for lead, fifth for tin and sixth in gold.

For its part, the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (NISI) indicated in July that the production of the Mining and Hydrocarbons sector increased by 14.27%, when compared with similar month of the previous year; a result that is explained by the higher production of the metallic mining sub sector by 16.19% and of the hydrocarbons sub sector by 5.24%. In this sense, with the result of July, this sector accumulated 17 months of continuous growth.

Mining Production Exportation:  A Big Contributor to the Peruvian Economy

Mining exports accounted for 62% of the country’s total exports in 2015

However, the growth of the mining sector is not only supported by the potential and production of metallic minerals, but also by its non-metallic mining.

The first position Peru occupies as diatomite producers in Latin America, without forgetting that Peru also extracts bentonite and borates; minerals difficult to find in other countries. The growth of the mining sector is also due to the export of mining production. This has been a factor that has greatly contributed to the Peruvian Economy. According to MEM figures, in 2015, mining exports accounted for 62% of the country’s total exports, which can be attributed to:

(i) The high demand for concentrates and metals.

(ii) Marketing contracts between domestic and foreign companies.

(iii) Tax benefits on exports through the determination of prices in the international market.

GDP Growth for Peru

GDP growth is projected to be around 3.9% by 2017

According to projections made by Dr. César Peñaranda Castañeda, by 2017, GDP growth is projected to be around 3.9%, ranging from 3.7% to 4.5%, with a more diversified growth but still led by the growth of the mining sector by 7.2%. This growth, which can be considered the highest since 2013, is also due to the improvement in the international environment and the continued implementation of infrastructure mega-projects. Growth is expected in the mining sector, mainly due to projects such as Constancia, Toromocho, Cerro Verde Expansion and Las Bambas, which are expected to reach optimum production levels.

The framework of the XXIV Summit of Leaders, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) was hosted in Peru last week. In this summit, Peru and the Republic of China signed promotional agreements and memorandums of understanding, which have as a main objective to allow the growth of the mining sector through investment. It is expected that the extractive, productive and/or processing capacity of mining projects such as those of Rio Blanco in Piura, Hierro Pampa of Pongo in Arequipa, among others, will continue to grow.

The future of Peru mining is promising How can the Biz Latin Hub help?

Peru offers a great environment for foreign mining companies. With an abundance of unexplored natural resources and a government open to foreign participation in the mining sector, it comes as no surprise that Peru remains a key Latin American and global mining nation. 

Given the favorable conditions in the country and the region as well as the economic growth, Biz Latin Hub through its company  Peruvian Business Services offers the experience and support necessary for investors to have a successful market entry in Peru. Feel free to contact us now.

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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Our Mining Sector Experts

Our Mining Sector Experts

Mining Sector Experts are the Biz Latin Hub's leading experts on mining permitting, licensing, and government engagement. You can get in touch with them via our "contact us page".

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