Peru sees 60% increase in mining tax revenues

The Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) issued a report stating that regional and local governments saw an aggregate 60% increase in mining tax revenues in 2021.

According to the ministry, proceeds from the mining canon, legal and contractual mining royalties, rights to operate and penalties added up to US$1677 billion last year, up from the $1000 billion registered in 2020. 

“​​It should be noted that, during the last months of the past year, an annual historical record had already been reached in the amount transferred for these concepts. This supports the continuity of regional economic activities and the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” the dossier reads.

MINEM pointed out that mining canon transfers were among the top performers in 2021, as the Peruvian state received over US$746,226 billion, a 12.5% increase from the US$663,000 billion received in 2020. These funds are regularly distributed among regional governments to be used in health and education infrastructure projects.

Mining royalties, on the other hand, generated over US$858,000 billion, a 165% increase from 2020 figures. 

The ministry’s data show that the growth in revenues from mining royalties was due to higher metal prices and increased production, which boosted companies’ profits and, subsequently, their royalty payments.

In terms of the income generated from rights to operate and penalties, Peru garnered US$​​288,000 billion up to October 2021.

The statistical report also mentions that 22% of the mining tax revenues were destined to the northern Áncash region, where Peru’s largest copper mine – the Antamina copper-zinc mine – is located. 

Arequipa, in the southwestern part of the country, was next, having received 21.8% of the funds while Tacna occupied the third spot, garnering 9.5% of the funds.

The rest of the regional governments received smaller amounts based on the prevalence of mining operations in their respective territories.