High in the Andes mountain range, the Apurimac region is home to a number of well-known tourist attractions, including  traditional celebrations held annually in Abancay, Andahuaylas, Aymaraes, Antabamba, Cotabambas, Chincheros and Grau townships.

Today, Apurimac is not only known for its tourist attractions. As the fastest growing province in Peru, it has become an economic engine of the country. Apurimac’s growth is largely driven by mining development including the contribution of MMG’s Las Bambas operation.

From the start, we have worked to develop strong relationships with communities based on respect for their culture, customs and traditions. This has also enabled us to understand their expectations for future development, and various opportunities for dialogue have been created – including community forums and informal gatherings. At these gatherings, government representatives, MMG and the communities come together with the aim of positively contributing to the lives of local residents. Las Bambas community relations team members remain in close contact with community members.

In turn, the development of Las Bambas has directly contributed to the reduction of poverty in Apurimac, down from 75% in 2006 to 39% in 2015. Similarly, private investment in the region grew by an average of 20% each year from 2012 and 2015 and employment increased by 50%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics.

During the third quarter of 2016, Apurimac recorded very high economic growth of 223% – primarily due to growth of the mining sector, making Apurimac one of the fastest growing regions in Peru.

 

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics, Las Bambas has positively contributed to the economic development of Apurimac over the last eight years – between 2007 and 2015. During this time, malnutrition rates fell by half, from 44% in 2007 to 22% by 2015, and reading and maths skills have improved significantly.

Pictured: Verónica Rojas, La Nueva Taquillera del Sur (the “New Pop Star of the South”) poses in front of her hometown, Haquira.  For much of the year, Verónica resides in Arequipa, from where she launches her tours around Peru, including Lima.