According to SMM, Peruvian mining officials have stated that the country's copper production is expected to increase slightly to 2.8 million mt this year, with mining investment projected to reach at least US$4.8 billion. Peru is the world's third-largest copper producer, having produced approximately 2.7 million mt of copper in 2024 and attracted US$4.96 billion in investment in the crucial mining sector. Jorge Montero, Peru's Minister of Mines and Energy, stated at a press conference that officials are increasingly concerned about illegal gold mining. Peru's gold exports reached US$15.5 billion in 2024, up from US$11 billion the previous year. According to industry data and estimates from Peru's financial regulatory authority, approximately 40% of Peru's gold exports are from illegal sources.