The largest Peruvian business delegation in U.S. history shows steps towards a greener future.

Just a few short months ago, a record-breaking delegation of over 300 Peruvian business leaders attended MINExpo 2024, the premier mining conference hosted by the National Mining Association in Las Vegas. This marked the largest Peruvian delegation ever to attend the event, underscoring the growing importance of our partnership with the U.S. in the mining sector. But why has the partnership made such a significant impact, and what is the importance of it?

The delegation's strong presence at MINExpo highlights the significance of the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Peru and the U.S., which was signed this past August. This opens new doors for mining cooperation, fostering greater foreign direct investment (FDI) and strategic partnerships in mining and green technologies.

Peru holds critical minerals essential for green energy production, such as copper, lithium, silver, and rare earth elements. Manufacturing items such as smartphones, computers, renewable energy technologies, batteries, and electric vehicles more heavily depend on these minerals for production.

As the U.S. begins its transition to a greener energy future, it could potentially save billions in energy costs while bolstering energy independence. The first step toward this accessibility was the recent signing of the MOU, which has paved the path for years for our strategic partnership.

Peru continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in mining, offering unparalleled opportunities for companies looking to scale production and secure the resources needed for sustainable innovation.

Our partnership with the U.S. underscores their shared commitment to advancing green technologies and securing the resources necessary to power a sustainable future while presenting a tremendous opportunity for both the U.S. and Peruvian economies.

Peru is the world's second-largest exporter of copper the third-largest exporter of silver and holds significant reserves of gold, zinc, and lead, along with more than six tons of lithium reserves.

Peru's role as a major global supplier of copper is particularly significant, with 77% of our copper production being exported to China. We currently have 31 active copper projects across 14 regions, with a total potential investment of nearly $39.8 billion. This accounts for about 11% of the world's copper reserves, and these ongoing projects are expected to produce an additional two million tons of copper.

Dating back to pre-Inca times, Peru remains one of the world's most mineral-rich countries. The mining industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, and the country accounts for a substantial share of global production in these metals – 17.8% of the world's silver, 5.6% of gold, 8% of zinc, and 6.2% of lead – making our country a key player in global supply chains.

As we look to the future, the recent MOU is not just an agreement on paper but a foundation for lasting collaboration. This partnership with the United States represents a vital step in aligning our resources, technological advancements, and commitments to environmental responsibility.

By strengthening our supply chains and focusing on sustainable extraction practices, we are well-positioned to support the green energy revolution, which will define the next era of global progress.

Peru's mineral wealth, combined with our shared vision with the U.S., enables us to contribute to cleaner, smarter solutions for the planet – proving that responsible mining is not only achievable but essential for a sustainable tomorrow.

Author Bio

Alvaro Silva-Santisteban is the Executive Director of PROMPERU in the U.S., where he leads efforts to expand trade, investment, and tourism between Peru and the United States. He focuses on promoting Peru’s strategic industries, including mining and sustainable development.