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Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery
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Industrial site
The Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery, located approximately 20 kilometers east of Lima in the Lurigancho-Chosica district, is one of the largest zinc processing facilities in the world. It began operations in 1981 and is currently managed by Nexa Resources, a subsidiary of the Votorantim Group. The refinery utilizes advanced electrolytic processes to convert zinc concentrates from various Peruvian mines into high-purity metallic zinc. With an annual production capacity exceeding 340,000 tons, Cajamarquilla plays a vital role in both the domestic metallurgical industry and the global zinc supply chain. In addition to zinc, the plant produces important by-products such as sulfuric acid and cadmium, which are used in the chemical and battery industries. The refinery is a major employer in the Lima region and significantly contributes to the diversification of Peru's industrial exports. Recent investments have focused on water treatment and energy efficiency to minimize the environmental footprint in the metropolitan area.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Cajamarquilla · Zona Arqueológica Cajamarquilla · Lotización Ñaña
- Nearby: Lima (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Located strategically near the capital city of Lima, this massive facility stands as one of the world's largest zinc refineries, playing a crucial role in Peru's significant mining export economy.
Visiting
As a heavy industrial site focused on large-scale metallurgical processing, the entire refinery complex is strictly closed to the general public for essential safety and operational security reasons.
Where to view it
Travellers traversing the industrial outskirts east of Lima can catch distant yet impressive glimpses of the vast infrastructural footprint and tall processing structures from nearby public roads.
Local products
While the refinery primarily produces industrial-grade zinc, interested visitors in the wider Lima region will instead encounter authentic markets filled with traditional Peruvian crafts and colorful textiles.
Active season
The foundational industrial operations run continuously throughout the entire year, though travellers usually prefer to explore the surrounding capital region during the drier and sunnier summer months.
Nearby
A superficial viewing of this industrial zone is best combined with a comprehensive tour of Lima's historic city center, followed by an exciting trip towards the impressive foothills of the Andes mountains.
Geography
Facts
- The refinery started operations in 1981
- Owned and operated by Nexa Resources
- Annual production capacity exceeds 340,000 tons
- Located in the Lurigancho-Chosica district near Lima
- Employs an advanced electrolytic recovery process
- Produces sulfuric acid and cadmium as by-products
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery (12)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Cajamarquilla zinc refinery?
A large zinc production facility near Lima.
Can you visit the facility?
No, it is a secured industrial site.
Is it a tourist attraction?
No, it serves purely industrial purposes.
What is near the factory?
It is located in an industrial zone east of Lima.
How is the traffic there?
Often very dense, typical for Lima's outskirts.
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery: where is it located?
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery is located in Peru.
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cajamarquilla, Zona Arqueológica Cajamarquilla, Lotización Ñaña.
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery, located approximately 20 kilometers east of Lima in the Lurigancho-Chosica district, is one of the largest zinc processing facilities in the world.
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