Duncan Wanblad-led Anglo American plans $26 million upgrade at Quellaveco mine

Key Points

• Anglo American, led by Duncan Wanblad, advances $26 million Quellaveco copper mine upgrade to boost production and sustainability in Peru. 
• The project includes enhanced mine access, water management, and increased material movement to raise annual copper output by 10 million tonnes. 
• Quellaveco targets 34-year life with 100% renewable energy use, aligning with global clean energy demand and Anglo’s ESG strategy.

Anglo American, the mining giant led by South African businessman Duncan Wanblad, is advancing a $26 million expansion project at its Quellaveco copper mine in Peru. The upgrade aims to enhance production capacity and sustainability efforts amid rising global demand for copper, a critical metal in the clean energy transition.

Key infrastructure upgrades target increased copper production

The mining giant has submitted its 13th Environmental Impact Technical Report (ITS) to Peru’s environmental certification agency, Senace, outlining five significant operational changes slated between 2025 and 2027. Consulting firm Insideo prepared the report, which is undergoing a three to four-month review process. 

Among the proposed upgrades, Anglo American plans to optimize mine access near waste dumps and implement advanced water management systems, including ponds, canals, and check dams. Additionally, the company intends to increase the annual movement of mined material from 140 million to 150 million tonnes, further boosting copper output. 

Exploration drilling to confirm additional reserves will be the most time-intensive activity, with most other upgrades expected to conclude by mid-2026. The project is estimated to employ 111 temporary workers during the upgrade phase.

Long-term operational outlook and environmental strategy

The Anglo American’s Quellaveco mine life will extend to 17 years for active pit mining, with a concentration plant processing stockpiled ore for an additional 17 years, bringing total operations to 34 years. Tailings disposal will utilize the Cortadera tailings dam, employing a co-disposal method where tailings fines are thickened and placed in the pit over a rockfill lining, minimizing environmental impact. 

Quellaveco mine in Peru, launched in 2022, boosted Q1 2025 copper output to 168,900 tonnes, with Quellaveco alone delivering 79,900 tonnes—up from 72,000 tonnes a year earlier. The miner forecasts full-year copper production between 310,000 and 340,000 tonnes, cementing Quellaveco as a key player in Peru’s copper supply, contributing over 10 percent.

This ramp-up aligns with rising global copper demand amid expanding green technologies and infrastructure projects, positioning Anglo American to capitalize on the market’s growth. In alignment with global sustainability trends, Quellaveco is transitioning to 100% renewable energy, supporting Anglo American’s broader environmental commitment. The company is also investing in local communities through water access projects and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Anglo American’s strategic shift under CEO Duncan Wanbladtimi

Founded in 1917, Anglo American has grown into a diversified mining powerhouse with operations spanning platinum, diamonds, copper, nickel, iron ore, polyhalite, and steelmaking coal. Under Wanblad’s leadership since 2022, the firm has focused on restructuring, portfolio simplification, and long-term shareholder value. 

The company recently completed the demerger of its platinum unit, now renamed Valterra Platinum, following shareholder approval on April 30. The demerger and share consolidation took effect on May 31 and June 1, respectively.