Project Announcement in Arequipa
On September 19, 2025, during a decentralized session of Jueves Minero organized by the Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas del Perú (IIMP) in Arequipa, authorities confirmed that the long-delayed Tía María copper project will begin construction in October. This marks a decisive moment for a US$1.8 billion investment that has faced more than a decade of postponements due to social conflict, environmental concerns, and political hesitation. The announcement
was framed as a signal of renewed confidence in Peru’s capacity to advance large-scale mining projects.
Economic Stakes and Strategic Relevance
Tía María, located in the Islay province of Arequipa, is projected to produce 120,000 tonnes of copper annually once operational, strengthening Peru’s standing as the world’s second-largest copper producer. Beyond output, the project promises significant fiscal contributions, regional employment, and infrastructure development. For the government and industry, advancing Tía María is not only about boosting production but also about restoring credibility in Peru’s ability to deliver strategic projects essential to the global energy transition.
Community Concerns and Governance Challenges
Despite the optimistic announcement, the project continues to face skepticism from local communities worried about water use, agricultural impacts, and social disruption. Previous attempts to launch construction triggered protests and clashes, making Tía María a symbol of the tensions between national mining ambitions and regional livelihoods. Authorities now face the challenge of ensuring that dialogue mechanisms, environmental safeguards, and benefit-sharing agreements are robust enough to prevent renewed conflict. The October start date will test whether lessons from past setbacks have been learned— or whether old tensions will resurface.