Bambas

Bambas, commonly referred to as Las Bambas, is a large copper mine located in the southern Peruvian Andes, in the Apurímac Region’s Challhuahuacho and Cotabambas districts. It sits on copper-bearing porphyry deposits and operates as an open-pit mine with a concentrator to produce copper concentrate for export.

History and development

Plans for the Las Bambas project were advanced over the 2000s, with construction beginning in the early 2010s. The mine began producing copper concentrate in the mid-2010s, with commercial production announced around 2016. The project’s development faced domestic social and environmental concerns, leading to protests and negotiations with local communities and regional authorities, as well as ongoing discussions about environmental safeguards, land and water use, and revenue-sharing commitments.

Operations

Las Bambas is designed as a large-scale open-pit operation supported by a concentrator facility that upgrades the ore to copper concentrate for shipment. The project relies on a transportation and logistics system to move concentrate from the mine site to export points on the Pacific coast. Output and processing capacity have positioned Las Bambas among Peru’s major copper producers, contributing significantly to national copper supply and export revenue.

Ownership and governance

The mine is operated by MMG Limited through a dedicated subsidiary, organized as a joint venture with other investors. The ownership structure has included minority stakes held by Chinese state-owned enterprises and other international partners, with the balance of control and decision-making vested in the MMG-led consortium.

Impact and context

Las Bambas has had substantial economic significance for Peru’s mining sector, while also drawing attention to local social and environmental concerns. The project continues to engage with communities, government, and other stakeholders to address impacts, ensure responsible operation, and support local development initiatives.