LIMA, Feb 16 (NNN-ANDINA) — New Energy and Mines Minister Romulo Mucho forecast that mining investments will exceed US$5 billion in Peru this year.
Therefore, his sector will reinforce the promotion of this economic activity’s importance for the development of the country and the generation of employment.
He said the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) had projected mining investment worth some US$3 billion in Peru for the first quarter of 2024.
“I agree; during my administration, I am going to reinforce the domestic promotion of mining in society, among the people,” Mucho underlined in remarks to Canal N.
“We need to banish that word: anti-extractivism. I think we finally have to follow some examples of mining countries where they have already banished it (that word); it (that word) has done us a lot of harm; (I mean) those currents of collectivism that see everything in a bad light,” he added.
The Minem’s head stated that Peru is a mining country.
He indicated that there are 48 projects that should be launched, because several of them already have a license to operate and others are very advanced in their efforts to start operating, “which will set the economic growth needle in motion.”
In this regard, the Cabinet member indicated that the confidence of investors who had left the country or postponed their projects for later, some with an indefinite date, must be regained.
Thus, he said, his portfolio will engage in dialogue to convey the confidence granted by the Government to them.
“We are working on a domestic promotion within Peru; so, I believe that three to four projects are returning, which at this moment could inject US$3 billion in investment, in addition to the expansions of Antamina, Las Bambas, Antapacay, and other small investments,” Mucho detailed.
“At least this year, we must exceed US$5 billion in investment; that is the task,” he pointed out. — NNN-ANDINA
