Glencore, the Swiss commodities group led by South African executive Gary Nagle, has secured the land access agreements needed to advance its Coroccohuayco copper project in Peru, clearing a major hurdle for a development expected to extend the operating life of its Antapaccay mine beyond 40 years. The project, located in Espinar, Cusco region, is targeting first production in the second half of 2029.

Final permits are next

Antapaccay, the Peruvian operation controlled by Glencore, has completed access agreements covering the remaining land blocks required for the brownfield development. The project team will now focus on obtaining the outstanding permits needed to begin production, following environmental approval earlier in the year through the modification of the environmental impact assessment, known as MEIA.

Luis Rivera, Glencore South America’s chief operating officer, said securing the land was an important milestone for Coroccohuayco and the long-term future of the wider Antapaccay operation. He added that the company would continue working with local communities and authorities as it advances the project toward development.

A longer life for Antapaccay

Jon Evans, Glencore’s industrial lead for copper, said Coroccohuayco is expected to extend Antapaccay’s mine life to more than 40 years. The development is also expected to support employment, local suppliers and economic activity in Espinar and the wider Cusco region over the coming decades.

The project forms part of Glencore’s longer-term copper production strategy in Peru, where existing mining infrastructure can support additional development. By expanding the Antapaccay operation, Coroccohuayco is expected to increase future copper output while extending the productive life of the mining complex.

Glencore’s global copper business

Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, operating in more than 30 countries. Its activities span the production, processing, recycling, sourcing and marketing of more than 60 commodities, supplying industries including automotive manufacturing, steelmaking, power generation, battery production and oil.

Antapaccay is a major open-pit copper mine in Espinar province, in Peru’s Cusco region. Securing the remaining land agreements brings Glencore closer to advancing Coroccohuayco, although final permitting remains a key step before construction and production can proceed.