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Las Bambas Mine

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Las Bambas Mine (Peru)

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The Las Bambas Mine, located in the Apurímac Region, is one of Peru's most significant copper projects and commenced commercial production in 2016. Situated in the high Andes at over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) in altitude, it is operated by MMG Limited, a subsidiary of China Minmetals. Las Bambas possesses massive ore reserves and contributes substantially to the total global copper supply. The transport of copper concentrate from the site is a major logistical undertaking, requiring a long-distance road and rail corridor spanning hundreds of kilometers to reach the Port of Matarani. The mine has frequently been a center of social tension, with local communities advocating for a greater share of the economic wealth and improved regional infrastructure. Despite these social challenges, Las Bambas is a technological showcase featuring state-of-the-art processing plants. Its economic impact on the Apurímac Region is immense, having dramatically increased the local tax base and stimulated secondary industries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C888776678898
Rain mm135132102401241211235970136

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Las Bambas Mine in the Apurímac region is one of the largest copper mines in Peru. It holds immense economic importance for the country and shapes the development of the southern Andes region.
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Visiting
The mine is not open to the public, but the vast open pit can be seen from nearby mountain passes. Visitors should stick to viewpoints along the connecting road.
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Where to view it
A recommended viewpoint is the pass on the road from Cusco to Apurímac, offering a panoramic view of the pit. From surrounding peaks, an impressive distant vista opens up.
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Local products
Copper concentrate is the main product, shipped via pipeline to the port of Matarani. In the Apurímac region, traditional Andean crops like quinoa and kiwicha are also grown.
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Active season
The mine operates year-round, with the dry season from May to October being the best operational period. In the rainy season, heavy rainfall can disrupt transport and work.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The lesser-known Apurímac Valley with its ancient bridges and rocky landscapes is also worth exploring.

Geography

Coordinates
-14.10000, -72.33000

Facts

  • The mine's construction was completed in 2016 with an investment of about $10 billion.
  • Las Bambas accounts for approximately 2% of the world's total copper production.
  • The majority shareholder is the Chinese firm MMG Limited (62.5%).
  • The mining complex is situated at an elevation between 4,000 and 4,500 meters.
  • Concentrate is transported via the 'Southern Mining Corridor' to reach international markets.
  • The estimated life of the mine exceeds 20 years based on current reserves.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

OllantaytamboOllantaytambo29 km · EExplore →
MorayMoray30 km · NEExplore →
SalcantaySalcantay35 km · SEExplore →
UrubambaUrubamba36 km · NEExplore →
Machupicchu Butterfly HouseMachupicchu Butterfly House39 km · SEExplore →
Orcopampa MineOrcopampa Mine39 km · WExplore →
Urubamba RiverUrubamba River42 km · SEExplore →
SacsayhuamánSacsayhuamán44 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Las Bambas Mine (1)

Las Bambas copper mine📍 landmark

Las Bambas copper mine is located in the Apurímac region. It is a large-scale operation for extracting copper ore.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Las Bambas?
A large copper mine project in the highlands of the Apurímac region.
Can you visit the mine?
No, it is used exclusively for raw material extraction and is not accessible to tourists.
How is the climate there?
High alpine climate, often cold, changeable, and located at high altitude.
What is the area worth?
The Apurímac region impresses with pristine landscapes and remote mountain villages.
When is the best time to travel?
Travel is most pleasant during the dry season (May to September).
Las Bambas Mine: where is it located?
Las Bambas Mine is located in Peru.
Las Bambas Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Las Bambas Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Las Bambas Mine, located in the Apurímac Region, is one of Peru's most significant copper projects and commenced commercial production in 2016.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Urubamba — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Urubamba
A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.
Cusco — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Ollantaytambo — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Moray — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Sacsayhuamán — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Tambomachay — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Choquequirao — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Choquequirao
An impressive Inca city in southern Peru, architecturally very similar to Machu Picchu, but much more isolated.

Nature

Apurímac River — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Apurímac River
The Apurímac River is the most distant source of the Amazon and flows through extremely deep canyons.
Urubamba River — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.
Cotahuasi River — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Cotahuasi River
The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Salcantay — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Machupicchu Butterfly House — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
🗺️
Orcopampa Mine
An underground gold and silver mine located at high elevation in the Arequipa region.
Potato Park of Pisac — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Tipón — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.
Coropuna — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Coropuna
The highest volcano in Peru and the third highest mountain in the country, crowned by a massive ice cap.
Constancia Mine — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Constancia Mine
An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.
Megantoni Sanctuary — Las Bambas Mine (Peru)
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.