en.Wedoany.com Reported - Gustavo De Vinatea, General Manager of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), recently stated that Peru currently faces an unprecedented opportunity to consolidate its leadership in global copper production and become a strategic player in the global energy transition.
Summarizing the 2026 World Mining Congress, De Vinatea noted that the next government will encounter favorable conditions to advance the development of the country's portfolio of 66 mining projects. The growing demand for critical minerals driven by electrification, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy positions Peru advantageously globally, given its rich geological resources and growth potential. He emphasized that merely developing the existing project portfolio would make Peru the world's largest copper producer, underscoring the country's significance to the energy transition.
De Vinatea mentioned that the global energy transition is reshaping the mining landscape. Peru produces 8 of the 17 critical minerals, with copper being the most important, often referred to as the new oil of the world, determining nations' capacity to advance in technological development. He also highlighted that the successful hosting of the 2026 World Mining Congress confirmed Peru's international standing as a major global mining power, with the country now competing on par with leading global mining nations. This marks the second time Peru has hosted a world-class mining event of this scale.
De Vinatea stated that realizing this opportunity depends on creating conditions to attract new investments, accelerate the implementation of mining projects, and strengthen legal guarantees and national competitiveness. He specifically noted that Peru's formal mining sector already meets international environmental and social standards, clearly distinguishing it from illegal mining, with both international and local companies prioritizing environmental protection and community engagement.
The Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers will organize the International Conference on Social Management and Sustainable Development (GESS 2026) from August 18 to 20.
