Progress Amid Persistent Controversy
Southern Copper Corporation has confirmed that construction of the Tía María project in Arequipa, Peru, has reached 23% completion, maintaining its projected start of operations in 2027. Valued at US $1.8 billion, the copper mine represents one of Peru’s largest investments in the sector and a cornerstone for future export growth. The company reports that major works are advancing on schedule despite logistical challenges and ongoing social resistance in the Islay province.
Balancing Development and Distrust
Tía María has long been a symbol of the tension between national economic priorities and local opposition to mining expansion. While the project promises employment, tax revenue, and infrastructure investment, nearby communities continue to express concerns about water scarcity, environmental degradation, and unfulfilled social commitments. Southern Copper has intensified its community- relations programs, emphasizing dialogue and environmental safeguards to rebuild trust in the region.
Copper as Peru’s Strategic Asset
As global demand for copper surges—driven by electrification, renewable energy, and electric vehicles— Peru is seeking to consolidate its position as a reliable supplier of transition minerals. The advance of Tía María signals renewed investor confidence in the country’s mining portfolio but also underscores a persistent governance challenge: ensuring that large-scale extraction translates into tangible, inclusive development for the communities that bear its costs.