Which minerals are important resources in Peru?

Peru possesses a wealth of mineral resources and is recognized as one of the world’s leading producers of several key metals. Its diverse geological landscape, particularly within the Andes Mountains, supports extensive mining operations.123

Important mineral resources in Peru include:

• Nonferrous Metals: Peru is a major global producer of copper, lead, and zinc, with significant deposits found in the central and southern Andean ranges. It also ranks among the largest producers of bismuth.123
• Precious Metals: The country has historically been a primary exporter of silver and remains a significant producer of gold, notably through large-scale operations like the Yanacocha complex. Small quantities of platinum are also associated with copper-mining activities.14
• Other Minerals: Peru contains deposits of iron, manganese, and phosphates. Additionally, small quantities of mercury and antimony are found in the central Andes.13

Beyond solid minerals, the country extracts petroleum along its northern coast and in the Amazon region, and it has increasingly focused on the development of natural gas as a power source.1