Las Bambas copper mine, Open pit copper mine in Cotabambas province, Peru.
Las Bambas is an open pit copper mine in Cotabambas province situated at about 4,000 meters above sea level. The facility extracts copper concentrate along with gold, silver, and molybdenum through conventional processing methods, handling roughly 140,000 tons of ore each day.
Following extensive exploration between 1950 and 2003, Xstrata secured the mining concession in 2004 for 141 million dollars. Chinese companies subsequently acquired the concession and launched major production operations.
The relocation of Nueva Fuerabamba between 2012 and 2014 moved an entire indigenous community to accommodate mining activities. This displacement fundamentally changed how local people relate to their traditional lands and way of life.
Access to the mine is restricted and typically requires special permission. Visitors should be aware that the high elevation and remote terrain demand adequate physical preparation.
The facility contributes roughly one percent to Peru's gross domestic product while producing about two percent of global copper output. This economic importance makes it a significant center for worldwide copper supply.
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