Peru is literally sitting on a bench of gold. It is the fifth in terms of reserves of the precious metal worldwide and the first in Latin America. Most of these are concentrated in five large regions, including Arequipa and Madre de Dios; However, these are not the ones that are in the first places. Beyond the figures, for the moment, it seems unlikely that exploration projects will be developed around these reserves due to a series of social factors.
He Ministry of Energy and Mineswhich takes the US Geological Survey (USGS) as a source, in its mining yearbook details the position of Peru on the world scene. In this way, it is evident that there are 2,900 fine metric tons (FMT) of gold in the national territory, which represents 5.6% of all reserves throughout the globe.
- Australia: 8,400 (16.2%)
- Russia: 6,800 (13.1%)
- South Africa: 5,000 (9.6%)
- United States: 3,000 (5.8%)
- Peru: 2,900 (5.6%)
- Indonesia: 2,600 (5.0%)
- Brazil: 2,400 (4.6%).
What is the region of Peru with the largest gold reserve?
The 2021 Annual Consolidated Declaration, which is based on the Ministry of Energy and Mines to report on gold reserves in Peru, makes it clear that 5 regions concentrate the majority of these, placing Cajamarca in first place, followed by Puno. These two alone concentrate almost 1,300 fine metric tons of reserves.
Gold reserves in regions of Peru. Photo: Ministry of Energy and Mines
When could the exploitation of gold reserves begin?
Of the 5 regions that concentrate the largest gold reserves, 4 present complicated contexts for the development of future projects. For example, In the case of Cajamarca, Conga could not be realized despite 6.5 million ounces of attributable gold reserves and 1.7 billion pounds of attributable copper reserves.
In relation to the case of Cajamarca and Conga, the Docent and mining consultant César Montes de Oca is optimistic and hopes it will come to fruition; However, he maintains that It is necessary to generate a culture that “natural resources are to be used, not to destroy us as human beings, given that the benefits of any productive activity redound to all other activities.” He explained that it is necessary for there to be a balance where neither the authorities, the citizens, and much less the companies are abusive.
The situation of Fist It is also very complicated and is due to a proliferation of informal and illegal mining. Montes de Oca explains that In this region a corridor has been formed to take the mineral to Bolivia, making it inconvenient—for certain sectors—to install large-scale mining in the area, since this whole problem would be revealed.
Madre de Dios, located in fourth place with the largest gold reserves in the eyes of large mining companies, presents two difficult situations. The first is that she is infested with illegal minery, Therefore, the formal ones fear that if they enter they would have to pay quotas. Another factor that supports Montes de Oca is the environmental issue. “There is fear because formal mining is visible and in case of environmental damage they fear being held responsible for all of this, when in Madre de Dios there is informal mining,” he explained.
About La Libertad and Arequipa explains that it is also complicated given that they have areas like Pataz or Secocha where illegality and informality prevail.and that in the long run leave a series of liabilities such as sick people, minors exploited for work and sexually, and contamination.
The Republic Regions NOW on WhatsApp
Do you want to find out the latest news from Peru? We invite you to subscribe HERE to our official channel La República Regiones, which brings you the latest information about what is happening in every corner of our country. ► https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEyIF8HgZWgOPDZ9U3U
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
