Peru’s copper production to double by 2016

Antamina is located in the Andes of north-central Peru

Peru’s government said production in the country will double by 2016 and return it to the No. 2 position for output worldwide, reports Dow Jones newswire.

Jorge Merino, the national energy and mines minister, said new projects— like Las Bambas, Antapaccay, Toromocho, Antamina — will increase their output from the current 1.3 million tonnes to 2.8 million tonnes.

Copper miner Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA is expanding its mine with a $4.4 billion investment.

Merino also said the government aims to ensure large-scale mining projects can proceed more rapidly following regional government consultations.

Image: file photo