Announcement
On Sept 11, 2025, Peru’s Finance Minister Raúl Pérez Reyes said the anti-mining wave has “notably diminished” and confirmed that three major projects in Cajamarca could be announced before year’s end. This development signals renewed investor interest and regulatory momentum in a region that, despite its abundant resources, has often been at the center of environmental and social conflict. Authorities emphasized that the projects under review are strategically aligned with Peru’s broader push to expand its copper production capacity.
Cajamarca’s Copper Position
Cajamarca is currently the second-largest copper-exporting region in Peru, home to both operating mines and promising exploration zones. The new projects are expected to reinforce this position, potentially adding significant volumes of copper to Peru’s export portfolio in the next decade. Beyond copper, Cajamarca also hosts gold and silver
reserves, making it one of the most mineral-diverse regions in the country. The announcement of upcoming approvals has raised expectations for new employment, regional royalties, and infrastructure improvements, though questions remain about how benefits will be distributed.
Implications and Challenges
While the prospect of three new large-scale mines generates optimism for economic growth, Cajamarca’s history of mining-related disputes highlights the risks of proceeding without strong community engagement and environmental safeguards. Analysts caution that the success of this new wave will depend on early dialogue with local populations, transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms, and credible commitments to water and land protection. If managed well, Cajamarca could consolidate itself as a pillar of Peru’s mining expansion; if mishandled, the “ola antiminera” may reignite conflicts that have previously paralyzed multi- billion-dollar projects in the region.