Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 28, The Antamina mine, located 270 km north of Lima in Peru’s Andes Mountains, plans to boost its copper production by 20% to 450,000 tonnes in 2026, up from an estimated 380,000 tonnes in 2025. This increase could position Antamina among Peru’s leading copper producers, alongside Freeport-McMoRan’s Cerro Verde and MMG’s Las Bambas mines.

The increased output is expected to position Antamina among Peru’s top copper producers.

Luis Santivanez, Antamina’s CEO, stated: “Production is expected to stabilise at around 400,000t annually in the years thereafter.” The mine, a key source of copper, zinc, molybdenum, and silver, is co-owned by BHP Group, Glencore, Teck Resources, and Mitsubishi Corporation. Copper and zinc concentrates are transported through a 300 km pipeline to the port of Huarmey, while molybdenum and lead/bismuth concentrates are moved by truck.

A $2 billion expansion project, approved by Peru’s environmental authority in February 2024, will extend the mine’s operational life from 2028 to 2036. The project includes expanding the open pit and optimizing the mine’s dumps and tailings dam. Ore processing from the expanded areas is set to begin in 2027, supporting the projected production increase, as noted by Santivanez.

The expansion aims to sustain Antamina’s output while maintaining operational efficiency. The mine’s strategic investments focus on upgrading infrastructure and optimizing mineral extraction to meet global demand for copper, a critical material for renewable energy and industrial applications. The project is also expected to support economic growth in the Ancash region by creating jobs and fostering sustainable development through community engagement.

Santivanez assumed leadership following a tragic incident in April 2025 at the Yanacancha camp in Huari, Ancash, where a senior manager died and another employee was injured, leading to a temporary safety shutdown. The incident prompted enhanced safety measures to ensure worker protection as the mine advances its expansion plans.

Antamina’s efforts align with Peru’s position as a major global copper supplier, contributing to both local economic stability and the international supply chain for critical minerals. The expansion reinforces the mine’s role in meeting rising demand while prioritizing environmental and operational sustainability.