Corío Megaport project faces land and mining concession disputes

The Corío Megaport project in Arequipa, Peru, has entered a new phase following its declaration as a matter of public necessity and national interest. While the implementation of the first stage of the Master Plan is underway, the project faces significant legal and administrative hurdles.

The Regional Government of Arequipa must still annul two non-metallic mining concessions, covering approximately 1,500 hectares, which overlap with the land designated for the port. These concessions were granted by the Regional Management of Energy and Mines in early 2025 without accounting for the port's planned area. Additionally, disputes persist regarding land ownership in Punta de Bombón, where some individuals claim rights to portions of the 24,000 hectares allocated for the project.

Arequipa Governor Rohel Sánchez has dismissed these land claimants as “pseudoproprietors,” asserting that the state holds the registered titles through the National Superintendency of State Assets (SBN). Despite these challenges, Sánchez indicated that development will continue and noted that potential investors from the United Arab Emirates and India have expressed interest in the project.