Peru: Buenaventura & Broader Investment Trends

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura is taking a leading role in Peru’s mining sector through strategic investment and project execution. Its flagship San Gabriel gold project in Moquegua is advancing steadily, with over 80% of construction completed and production expected to begin by November 2025. This underground mine is projected to yield between 100,000 and 120,000 ounces of gold annually, a substantial addition to the company’s output. Recent financial reports also highlight Buenaventura’s solid performance, with increased EBITDA, improved debt ratios, and sustained capital expenditures primarily allocated to San Gabriel’s development and supporting infrastructure.

This expansion aligns with broader positive investment trends across Peru’s mining landscape. By May 2025, total mining investment had reached over US$1.8 billion, representing nearly a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Exploration budgets surged by almost 40%, reflecting renewed interest in Peru’s critical minerals potential. With an ambitious national pipeline of 67 mining projects valued at over US$64 billion, the government and private sector are signaling a shared commitment to strengthening the country’s position as a reliable supplier of copper, gold, silver, and other strategic resources vital to the global energy transition.

The importance of Buenaventura’s investments extends beyond economic performance—it is directly tied to its ability to sustain a social license to operate. The San Gabriel project, situated in a region with a history of community demands and environmental concerns, highlights the need for transparent stakeholder engagement and tangible local benefits. By integrating early closure planning, community consultation, and job creation into its operational strategy, Buenaventura is addressing social expectations head-on. In a country where mistrust toward mining companies can quickly escalate into conflict, this proactive approach not only protects the project’s viability but also sets a precedent for responsible mining that balances profitability with long-term legitimacy and community acceptance.