# South American mining investment and labor trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-mining-investment-and-labor-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-18T14:37:32.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The mining sectors in Peru and Chile are experiencing significant growth and investment, driven by the global energy transition and demand for critical minerals. In Peru, production is currently around 2.7 million tons of copper annually, with the Central Bank suggesting it could reach 5.4 million tons by 2030. Mining investment in Peru rose by 42.7% in the first half of 2026, totaling US$3.3 billion, with major spending directed toward infrastructure and operational improvements.

Chile is also seeing substantial activity, with projected sector investment expected to exceed US$51 billion over the next decade. 

Despite this economic momentum, both regions face significant labor challenges. Companies in Chile are struggling to find certified professionals and technicians for high-risk operations despite national unemployment rates. Similarly, in Peru, experts have warned that a shortage of skilled labor and low youth participation could hinder the country’s ability to exploit its geological potential.

Recent developments in Peru highlight the country’s strategic importance, as experts suggest it holds more than 50% of the critical minerals required for the global energy transition, including copper, zinc, silver, indium, and tellurium. In southern Peru, mining has served as a major economic driver; over the last 20 years, the region received S/68 billion in mining royalties and canon, representing 52% of the national total. While copper production in the south has tripled during this period, contributing to poverty reduction in areas like Moquegua and Tacna, the industry faces ongoing pressure. The administration of President Keiko Fujimori is under demand to accelerate administrative permitting processes and combat illegal mining to ensure capital remains in the sector.

## Claims

- The Peruvian Central Bank estimates that copper production could double if planned new mining projects are realized. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Aftermath Silver reported that previous drillings at the eastern edges of the Berenguela project's Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) were extremely positive. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Drilling at the Berenguela project yielded a 156-meter section containing 1.12% copper, 290 grams of silver per tonne, and 7.3% manganese. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Aftermath Silver CEO Ralph Rushton is conducting drilling to explore high-grade copper mineralization beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate boundaries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Peruvian Central Bank projects copper production should reach 5.4 million tons by 2030. (single source)
- Tamiko Hasegawa stated that Peru possesses the geological conditions to supply over 50% of the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition. (single source)
- The southern region of Peru received S/68 billion in mining royalties and canon over the last 20 years, representing 52% of the national total. (single source)
- Copper production in southern Peru has tripled over the last two decades. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Mining sectors in Chile and Peru see investment growth and labor challenges

Mining sectors in Chile and Peru face contrasting trends: Chile deals with a shortage of specialized technical talent despite high investment potential, while Peru sees a 42.7% surge in mining investment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mining-sectors-in-chile-and-peru-see-investment-growth-and-labor-challenges

### 2026-08-17: Peru targets copper production doubling by 2030

Peru aims to double its copper production to 5.4 million tons by 2030, leveraging its vast reserves of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition despite administrative and labor challenges.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-eyes-copper-boom-amid-global-demand-and-new-drilling

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Cite as: South American mining investment and labor trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-mining-investment-and-labor-trends