Las Bambas Becomes Peru's Third Largest Copper Mine

According to a report from BNAmericas, as operational conditions continue to improve, Las Bambas has become Peru's third-largest copper mine.

In the first four months, the cumulative copper production at Las Bambas reached 135,321 mt, surpassing Antamina, which produced 118,513 mt.

A report from Peru's Ministry of Energy and Mines indicated that Las Bambas accounted for 15.3% of the country's total copper production and is expected to grow rapidly this year.

The report showed that in the first four months, Peru's national copper production reached 886,717 mt, up 4.9% YoY. In April, production was 220,261 mt, up 7.9%.

Las Bambas' copper production significantly exceeded the average, with 39,588 mt produced in April. Southern Copper ranked second with 34,964 mt, while Cerro Verde took the top spot with 35,520 mt.

In the first four months, Southern Copper produced 140,058 mt, up 0.7%, while Cerro Verde's production was 135,666 mt, down 6.6%. Meanwhile, Las Bambas' copper production increased by 71.9%.

If Las Bambas can maintain a monthly production of 33,000 mt or more, it is likely to reach the upper limit of its annual production target of 360,000-400,000 mt.

Earlier this year, company executives hinted at the capability to produce 400,000 mt of copper this year. The Q1 figures were the highest in years, driven by an increase in grade and mining volume.