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Ilo Copper Smelter

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Industrial site
—°3
Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)

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The Ilo Copper Smelter, located in the Moquegua region of southern Peru, is a critical component of the country's mineral processing infrastructure. Operated by the Southern Copper Corporation, the facility was established in 1960 and has since undergone several major modernization projects to improve its efficiency and environmental performance. The smelter processes copper concentrates from the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, converting them into copper anodes with a high level of purity. In 2007, a significant upgrade was completed, involving the installation of ISASMELT technology, which drastically reduced sulfur dioxide emissions. The smelter's strategic location near the Port of Ilo facilitates the export of refined copper to global markets, making it a cornerstone of Peru's export-driven economy. Today, it remains one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, balancing industrial output with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar, Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212221201816161616171820
Rain mm13178101322113

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Ilo Copper Smelter processes copper ore from nearby mines and includes a refinery and a sulfuric acid plant. It is a central part of Peru's copper processing chain and a major employer on the southern coast.
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Visiting
The smelter is an industrial site and not normally open to visitors. From public roads or the nearby port, the facilities can be seen from a distance.
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Where to view it
Good views of the facility can be had from the coastal road south of Ilo and the hill above the port. From Ilo beach, the chimneys and cooling towers are clearly visible.
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Local products
The smelter produces refined copper and sulfuric acid as a byproduct. In Ilo, travelers find fresh seafood and fish markets, reflecting the coastal location.
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Active season
The facility operates continuously year-round, as ore supply from the mines is stable. Maintenance work typically occurs during the quieter months.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the port city of Ilo, offering beaches and a malecon promenade. The nearby Punta Coles nature reserve is a key spot for birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.50000, -71.36000

Facts

  • The facility began its operations in 1960
  • Owned and operated by Southern Copper Corporation
  • Major environmental upgrade completed in 2007
  • Produces copper anodes with 99.7% purity
  • Processes ore from the Toquepala and Cuajone mines
  • Strategic export hub located near the Port of Ilo

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cerro Verde MineCerro Verde Mine43 km · SEExplore →
Misti VolcanoMisti Volcano43 km · EExplore →
ArequipaArequipa43 km · SEExplore →
MoqueguaMoquegua49 km · NExplore →
ChachaniChachani50 km · EExplore →
Salinas and Aguada Blanca ReserveSalinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve52 km · EExplore →
Pampa de La JoyaPampa de La Joya65 km · SEExplore →
HuaynaputinaHuaynaputina65 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ilo Copper Smelter (3)

Playa Pocoma🎡 recreation

A scenic Pacific coastal stretch characterized by its rugged rocky shoreline and strong ocean swells.

Playa Wawakiki🎡 recreation

A secluded sandy beach on the southern Peruvian coast, popular with local fishermen and adventurous surfers.

Playa Jaboncillo🎡 recreation

Named for its frothy, soap-like waves, this uncrowded coastal spot features coarse sand mixed with small rock pools.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ilo copper smelter?
A central facility for copper refining in southern Peru.
Is Ilo a nice town?
Ilo provides pleasant beaches and a friendly town center.
Can you visit the smelter?
No, it is not accessible to tourists.
When is the best time to travel?
All year round, as the coastal climate is very mild.
Is there gastronomy in Ilo?
Yes, there are excellent seafood restaurants at the port.
Ilo Copper Smelter: where is it located?
Ilo Copper Smelter is located in Peru.
Ilo Copper Smelter: what is there to see?
Highlights include Playa Pocoma, Playa Wawakiki, Playa Jaboncillo.
Ilo Copper Smelter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar, Apr.
Ilo Copper Smelter: why is it worth visiting?
The Ilo Copper Smelter, located in the Moquegua region of southern Peru, is a critical component of the country's mineral processing infrastructure.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Arequipa — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Arequipa
Known as the 'White City'.
Moquegua — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Moquegua
An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.
Chivay — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Chivay
A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

More places

Huaynaputina — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Huaynaputina
A volcano without a distinct profile, famous for the largest volcanic eruption in South American history in 1600.
Ubinas Volcano — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Ubinas Volcano
The most active volcano in Peru, located in the Moquegua region and known for its frequent ash eruptions.
Cuajone Mine — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Cuajone Mine
A significant copper mine in southern Peru, part of a large mining complex.
Quellaveco Mine — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Quellaveco Mine
A major modern copper mining project in the Moquegua region, highly automated.
Cerro Verde Mine — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Cerro Verde Mine
A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.
Misti Volcano — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Misti Volcano
A cone-shaped stratovolcano whose snow-capped summit is the symbol of Arequipa.
Chachani — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Chachani
A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve — Ilo Copper Smelter (Peru)
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
A high-altitude protected area established to protect the habitats of vicuñas and flamingos.