Peru's Alpayana plans to increase mining output this year

Peruvian polymetallic miner Alpayana eyes output increases this year. In an interview with the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers, CEO Fernando Arrieta said zinc production should double from last year’s 120,000t, lead output grow at least 15% from 36,000t, copper 20% from 25,000t, and silver reach 9Moz, up from 7.5Moz.

The jump in zinc production will be supported by the start of optimal operations at the Iscaycruz mine, Arrieta said.

Last year, the company generated revenues of US$500mn.

Alpayana has four operations in Peru: Yauliyacu, Americana and Iscaycruz in Lima region, and Morococha in Junín. Yauliyacu and Iscaycruz were acquired from Switzerland's Glencore in 2022, while Morococha was bought from Canada's Pan American Silver in 2023.

Exploration

Arrieta also mentioned exploration projects and that operations should start in five or six years if mineral reserves are confirmed. 

“Antarumi is a project 250km north of Lima, and it is the project into which we will put the most effort [in 2025]. We believe it could be an interesting option for us,” he added.

According to energy and mines ministry data, Antarumi is a greenfield copper project valued at US$2.1mn in Ancash region. Exploration permits have been granted and drilling is planned to take two years.

On December 16, Alpayana signaled interest in taking over Canada’s Sierra Metals, which owns the Yauricocha zinc mine in Peru and Bolívar copper mine in Mexico. However, the Canadian company’s shareholders rejected the move.