Name of the Project
Quellaveco copper mine expansion.

Location
Moquegua region, Peru.

Project Owner/s
Global mining company Anglo American.

Project Description
Quellaveco has a life-of-mine of 36 years. The mine is projected to deliver about 300 000 t/y of copper on average in the first ten years of operation.

There is significant expansion potential that could sustain production beyond the initial high-grade area. The mine’s processing plant has throughput permitted to 127 500 t/d. 

Following regulatory approvals to increase throughput to 150 000 t/d, a debottlenecking strategy was implemented in the six months to December 2025 to provide added flexibility to design optimal throughput for the plant with limited configuration changes, subject to sectorial permits associated with the specific design and water availability. 

In light of this, the Stage 1 expansion was approved and will increase throughput to an estimated 142 000 t/d and improve recoveries by late 2026; this involves the installation of a second pebble crusher and additional flotation cells. 

Efforts will continue to further debottleneck the plant while conducting early studies to support Quellaveco’s long-term expansion prospects.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Stage 1 is estimated at $100-million, subject to project approval.

Planned Start/End Date
First production from Stage 1 is expected in late 2026.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Anglo American media, Marcelo Esquivel, tel +44 20 7968 8891 or email marcelo.esquivel@angloamerican.com.