PERUMIN 37, Gateway to Minerals and Rare Earths

Why in News

The PERUMIN 37 Mining Convention, one of the world’s largest and most influential mining events, is scheduled to be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 in Arequipa, Peru. This global convention will bring together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and investors to discuss the future of mining, resource utilization, and sustainable growth. For India, this convention presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its industrial ambitions by engaging with Peru, a nation rich in minerals and rare earths.

Introduction

India and Peru have historically enjoyed strong bilateral ties rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation. Over the years, these relations have expanded into diverse fields such as agriculture, textiles, fertilizers, and science. However, the mining sector is now emerging as a key area of collaboration due to Peru’s vast mineral wealth and India’s growing industrial requirements.

Peru is recognized as a global mining powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top producers of several strategic minerals. It is the second-largest producer of copper worldwide, contributing around 12% of global output, and is also a leading producer of silver, gold, tin, zinc, and rare earth elements. These resources are not only vital for traditional industries but also indispensable for renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced technologies such as semiconductors.

For India, which is seeking to diversify its energy basket, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and become a global manufacturing hub, Peru’s abundant mineral resources represent a critical partnership opportunity. PERUMIN 37 emerges as more than just an industry convention—it is a strategic platform for aligning Peru’s natural resource base with India’s industrial growth trajectory.

Key Issues and Background

1. Peru as a Mining Powerhouse

Peru has been the backbone of the global mineral supply chain for decades. Its vast reserves of copper, zinc, silver, and rare earths make it one of the most resource-rich nations in the world.
It plays a key role in meeting global demand for copper, which is crucial for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and industrial applications.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from Peru are essential for electronics, defense technologies, and clean energy applications.

2. India’s Industrial Ambitions

India’s rapid economic growth, industrialization, and infrastructure push require uninterrupted access to critical minerals.
As India strives to become a $5 trillion economy and achieve its Net Zero emissions target by 2070, securing mineral supply chains is becoming indispensable.
Currently, India is dependent on limited sources for rare earths, making diversification vital. Peru offers a natural and reliable partner in this domain.

3. The Role of PERUMIN 37

PERUMIN 37 is not just a commercial exhibition but also a forum for dialogue, innovation, and policy-making.
With over 65,000 participants expected, including government officials, industry leaders, academics, and international organizations, it will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and partnership building.
It will also feature the Mining Summit 15 Forum, highlighting the latest industry trends such as decarbonization, sustainable practices, and digital transformation.

Specific Impacts or Effects

1. Economic Benefits for Peru

By hosting PERUMIN 37, Peru reinforces its image as a responsible and reliable supplier of minerals.
It helps position Peru not just as a resource exporter but also as a partner in sustainable development.
Increased global engagement is expected to bring in investments, technology transfer, and job creation.

2. Strategic Opportunity for India

India’s growing demand for copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earths makes Peru an ideal partner.
Participation in PERUMIN 37 will allow Indian investors and policymakers to explore joint ventures, secure supply chains, and establish long-term trade agreements.
Indian companies will also gain exposure to the latest mining technologies and sustainable practices.

3. Innovation and Sustainability

The convention emphasizes green technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable practices.
Mining companies are expected to showcase solutions for water management, carbon reduction, and community development.
For India, which is pursuing green growth and renewable energy goals, these innovations can provide valuable lessons.

4. Bilateral Relations

PERUMIN 37 will further solidify India-Peru relations by creating a new axis of cooperation centered on mining and resource sharing.
Beyond minerals, it will enhance diplomatic, economic, and scientific ties.
Both countries will benefit from a shared future of growth, rooted in mutual trust and development.

Challenges and the Way Forward

1. Environmental Concerns

Mining, though economically beneficial, often raises concerns about deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of local communities.
Both Peru and India must balance economic benefits with environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable growth.

2. Geopolitical Competition

As Peru’s minerals attract global attention, India will face competition from countries like China and the U.S., which are already heavily invested in South America.
Securing exclusive agreements and building strong partnerships will be crucial for India to maintain its strategic advantage.

3. Infrastructure and Logistics

Transporting minerals across continents requires reliable logistics and trade facilitation.
India and Peru will need to work on improving maritime connectivity and reducing trade barriers.

4. Long-Term Engagement

While conventions like PERUMIN 37 provide opportunities, long-term partnerships require consistent follow-up, institutional collaboration, and policy alignment.
India should consider forming a bilateral mining cooperation framework with Peru to ensure continuity.

Conclusion

PERUMIN 37 is not merely a mining convention; it is a strategic bridge connecting Peru’s abundant natural resources with India’s industrial ambitions. It offers Indian investors a rare opportunity to engage with Peru’s mining ecosystem, secure critical supply chains, and learn from global innovations in sustainable mining.

The event also highlights the importance of India-Peru relations, which are evolving from traditional friendship to a deeper economic and technological partnership. For India, which is steadily positioning itself as a global industrial power, engaging with Peru at PERUMIN 37 is not just an option but a necessity.

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable practices, critical minerals and rare earths will play a decisive role in shaping the future. PERUMIN 37 serves as a platform where India can align its ambitions with Peru’s resources to ensure mutual prosperity.

The convention reaffirms a simple truth: mineral wealth, when combined with innovation and cooperation, has the power to transform nations.

5 Questions and Answers

Q1. What is PERUMIN 37, and why is it important?
PERUMIN 37 is the 37th edition of the Mining Convention held in Arequipa, Peru. It is one of the largest global platforms for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the mining sector. It is important because it brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss sustainable mining, technological progress, and global resource security.

Q2. Why should Indian investors participate in PERUMIN 37?
India is one of the fastest-growing economies with increasing demand for copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earths. Participation in PERUMIN 37 allows Indian investors to secure critical mineral supply chains, explore joint ventures, and learn about the latest innovations in sustainable mining.

Q3. How does PERUMIN 37 strengthen India-Peru relations?
The convention deepens cooperation by aligning Peru’s natural resource wealth with India’s industrial ambitions. It not only enhances trade but also fosters scientific, diplomatic, and technological collaboration, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.

Q4. What challenges could India face in engaging with Peru’s mining sector?
India may face challenges such as environmental concerns, geopolitical competition from other countries, logistical issues in mineral transportation, and the need for long-term policy alignment.

Q5. What role does sustainability play in PERUMIN 37?
Sustainability is at the core of PERUMIN 37. The event emphasizes eco-friendly mining practices, water management, digital innovation, and ensuring that local communities benefit from mining projects. For India, these lessons are crucial as it balances industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

PERUMIN 37, Gateway to Minerals and Rare Earths