Anglo American Commits US$26 Million to Strategic Upgrade of Quellaveco Mine 

Anglo American Commits US$26 Million to Strategic Upgrade of Quellaveco Mine 

Anglo American has announced a planned investment of US$26 million to upgrade its Quellaveco copper mine in southern Peru, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of its most significant growth assets. The move is set to enhance operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and long-term production resilience at the site, which has rapidly emerged as a core component of the company’s global copper portfolio. 

The Quellaveco mine, a joint venture between Anglo American (60%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (40%), began production in 2022 and is one of the most technologically advanced mining operations in the world. This latest investment will focus on modernising specific infrastructure components, refining digital systems, and expanding capacity in critical areas that align with Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining™ approach—a framework that integrates innovation, sustainability, and productivity across all operations. 

The US$26 million upgrade will primarily target process optimisation within the concentrator plant, automation enhancements, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the existing power systems. According to the company, these changes are expected to reduce energy consumption intensity and water usage, two key metrics in its sustainability goals. 

In a statement, Anglo American highlighted that the investment will “ensure that Quellaveco remains at the forefront of responsible and high-efficiency copper production.” The move also comes amid global concerns about copper supply, as the metal is crucial to the energy transition, particularly in the manufacture of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and grid infrastructure. 

Copper production at Quellaveco is projected to average 300,000 tonnes per annum over the first 10 years of full production. With this upgrade, Anglo American aims to solidify its ability to deliver consistently on those targets while navigating market volatility and regulatory expectations. 

The investment also reflects Anglo American’s broader strategy to position copper as a cornerstone of its future-facing portfolio. With increasing demand expected in the coming decades, the company’s leadership has consistently underscored the need to secure high-quality assets and maintain competitive advantages through innovation and operational excellence. 

Anglo American’s track record at Quellaveco already includes industry-leading technologies such as autonomous haulage systems and integrated remote operations centres. The new upgrade will build on this foundation, with further investment in predictive maintenance systems and digital twins, aimed at enhancing asset reliability and extending equipment life cycles. 

From a social perspective, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to local communities through job creation, supplier development, and infrastructure partnerships. The new investment is anticipated to further stimulate economic activity in the Moquegua region while aligning with Peru’s broader ambitions for sustainable mining development. 

As global industries accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, copper’s role is becoming increasingly critical. Anglo American’s investment in Quellaveco is not just a capital upgrade—it is a strategic move to future-proof its operations and contribute meaningfully to a low-carbon global economy. 

References 
Anglo American. (2025, June 9). Anglo American to invest US$26 million in Quellaveco copper mine upgrade [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.angloamerican.com 
Mitsubishi Corporation. (2022). Investment in Quellaveco Copper Project in Peru. Retrieved from https://www.mitsubishicorp.com 
International Copper Association. (2024). The Role of Copper in the Green Economy. Retrieved from https://www.copperalliance.org 
World Bank. (2023). Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org