en.Wedoany.com Reported - According to the "Mining Statistical Bulletin" released by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) of Peru, the country's mining exports reached $21.649 billion in the first quarter (January to March) of 2026, an increase of 56.2% compared to the same period last year. This growth is primarily attributed to strong global demand for minerals such as copper, gold, lead, silver, and zinc, as well as the sustained high prices of these metals on the international market.
MINEM noted that the strong performance of mining exports is also closely linked to the growing demand for minerals needed to drive the energy transition, renewable energy development, and the construction of technological infrastructure. These factors continue to stimulate Peru's mining activities. According to the report, exports of metallic and non-metallic mineral products accounted for 75.4% of the country's total export value in the first quarter of 2026, further consolidating the mining sector's position as a main pillar of Peru's foreign trade and one of the largest sources of export revenue for the national economy.
As global demand for strategic metals continues to grow, the importance of Peru's mining sector relative to other export sectors has become increasingly prominent. Currently, mining has become one of Peru's main sources of foreign exchange and a key engine of economic development. Within total exports, metallic mineral products accounted for 74.6%, with copper, gold, lead, and zinc performing particularly well this quarter. These four minerals together represented 70.1% of the country's total export value.
Specifically, copper maintained its important position due to its critical role in the construction of power grids, renewable energy systems, and data centers; gold continued to be regarded as a significant asset amid economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, zinc and lead sustained stable market support driven by demand from manufacturing, infrastructure construction, and energy storage-related activities.
