Our Quellaveco copper project in Peru started commercial operations in September. The mine embodies our FutureSmart Mining^TM blueprint, bringing together technology, digitalisation and sustainability to connect essential metals and minerals with those who need and value them.

On 26 September 2022, we began commercial copper operations at Quellaveco in Peru, following the successful testing of operations and final regulatory clearance. Quellaveco is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes per year of copper equivalent volume on average over its first 10 years of operation.

The project, developed in a 60:40 partnership between Anglo American and Mitsubishi Corporation, is a testament to the strength of our commitment to our workforce, local communities, the country of Peru and government stakeholders.

For more than 100 years, our employees have led from the front, finding new ways to mine and process our products. Looking to the future, Quellaveco will build on this legacy, delivering against our Purpose by tackling today’s most pressing challenges – environmental and social – while shaping a sustainable future for the copper industry to meet the evolving needs of society and consumers worldwide.

Ruben Fernandes, CEO of Anglo American’s Base Metals business, said: “We designed Quellaveco as one of Anglo American’s and South America’s most technologically advanced mines, incorporating autonomous drilling and haulage fleets – a first in Peru – a remote operations centre, as well as a number of Anglo American’s digital and advanced processing technologies.

“Drawing its electricity supply entirely from renewables, Quellaveco is setting an example of a low emission mine producing a critical metal for decarbonising the global economy – copper. In Quellaveco, we can see FutureSmart Mining^TM in action.”

Here are ten things you need to know about this world-class asset:

1. Quellaveco is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits; an open pit mine located ~3,500m above sea level in south of Peru, 34km from the city of Moquegua.
2. Its ore reserves are estimated at 1.7 billion tonnes over an initial 36-year lifespan – with the potential for further expansion. That’s enough copper for 90 million electric vehicles, or to wire 80 million homes.
3. Quellaveco is expected to add around 300,000 tonnes per annum of copper equivalent production, on average, to our portfolio in the first 10 years of production. The high quality copper produced from the mine will be vital to connecting and delivering clean energy to the world.

4. Anglo American’s first 100% digital mine, our technicians are rolling out a range of autonomous or automation-ready vehicles and equipment at Quellaveco to make it an even safer, more productive and sustainable mining operation. This includes a planned fleet of 27 autonomous haul trucks, as well as six drill rigs, fully integrated into our remote operations centre.
5. Three electric rope shovels will be installed at Quellaveco. Weighing in at around 1,390 tonnes, each one has the capacity to move up to 127,000 tonnes (140,000 tons) per day. They will play a key part in the switch over from diesel-powered equipment, responsible for the majority of carbon emissions across our mining operations.
6. In line with Anglo American’s policy of sourcing all its South American operations’ energy needs from non-fossil sources, we have signed an agreement with Engie Energía Perú, making Quellaveco the first mine in Peru to have its mains power supply fully powered by renewable energy, from 2022.

7. Quellaveco will use water from the Titire River that is unsuitable for human consumption or agricultural use, due to its volcanic origins, complemented by excess rainwater collected in the Vizcachas Dam (commissioned in 2021). The majority of water from Vizcachas will be shared with local communities, improving their water availability.

8. Since 2011, the Quellaveco Fund, worth US$10 million, has financed 30 local community projects with different areas of focus including education, health, nutrition and agriculture – improving the lives of more than 25,000 people in the Moquegua region.
9. We created 29,000 jobs during the construction of Quellaveco. During normal operation, the project will support more than 2,500 jobs.
10. Quellaveco is making major contributions to the economic development of the region. By February 2022, the project had purchased $274 million in goods and services from businesses in Moquegua.

Explore Quellaveco in this virtual reality tour, filmed in February 2022 (please open in Google Chrome and allow time for the interactive experience to load). You can also discover more about the potential of Quellaveco and Anglo American’s history in the region with this short (4-minute) video.