Peru and Colombia target copper boom to support global energy transition

Former Peruvian Energy and Mines minister Romulo Mucho highlighted that the country should move beyond merely exporting raw minerals and instead develop processing, research and high‑value technology chains for copper, lithium, rare earths and other critical elements. He called the surge in demand for these metals an "unprecedented opportunity" for Peru to join the global value‑added supply chain.

In Colombia, analysts mapped 210 active copper mining titles and 746 pending applications, noting that many projects lie in environmentally sensitive zones (118) and on indigenous or Afro‑descendant lands (over 90). While the nation currently holds about 40% of the world’s copper reserves, global demand is projected to double and could face a 30% shortfall by 2035, with roughly 60% of refined copper ending up in China. Both countries see the transition to renewable energy as a driver for expanding their critical mineral sectors, but face challenges of environmental impact and community rights.