Plizio Visual Lab

Quellaveco Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Quellaveco Mine, located in the Moquegua region, is one of Peru's most significant mining projects of the 21st century. Operated by Anglo American in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation, the project represents an investment of approximately 5.5 billion USD. The deposit sits at an elevation of about 3,500 meters above sea level and primarily focuses on copper extraction, with molybdenum and silver recovered as byproducts. The mine is distinguished by its use of advanced technology, including a fully autonomous truck fleet and a digital twin system for operational monitoring. Commercial production officially commenced in 2022, with an expected annual output of 300,000 tons of copper over a 30-year mine life. Quellaveco plays a crucial role in Southern Peru's economic development and contributes significantly to the national GDP through its substantial export capacity.

Location: Peru
Nearby: Moquegua (36 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Oct–Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	9	9	8	6	6	5	6	7	8	9	9
Rain mm	29	35	21	5	2	1	3	2	4	6	5	16

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Quellaveco Mine is a major modern copper mining project in the Moquegua region, highly automated and one of the largest in Peru. It serves as a key economic driver and showcases advanced open-pit mining technology visible from public viewpoints.

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Visiting

The mine site is not open to the public, but large sections of the open pit are visible from designated viewpoints along surrounding roads. Due to high automation and security protocols, there are no regular guided tours, so visitation is limited to outside observation.

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Where to view it

A recommended viewpoint is the Mirador Quellaveco along the road, providing a broad view of the terraced pit and conveyor systems. From more distant hills, the full scale of the open-cast mine is visible against the stark desert landscape.

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Local products

Copper products from the mine are not sold on site. In local markets of the Moquegua region, visitors often find handicrafts and textiles inspired by mining culture, as well as traditional agricultural goods like olives and wine.

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Active season

The mine operates around the clock, 365 days a year, thanks to advanced automation allowing minimal downtime. The dry season from April to October provides the best conditions for road transport and outdoor work, but production levels remain consistently high throughout the year.

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Nearby

A visit to Quellaveco Mine can be combined with the city of Moquegua, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and wine tradition. Nearby thermal baths and the southern desert landscapes also make excellent additions to the itinerary.