proEXPLO 2026 to Tour Giant Copper Deposits in Southern Peru in Specialized Field Trip

Lima, March 24, 2026.- As part of proEXPLO 2026, the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP) will organize a second field trip titled “Exploring Giant Copper Deposits in Southern Peru: From the Jurassic to the Paleocene at Zafranal, Cerro Verde, Cuajone, and Toquepala,” to be held from May 7 to 10.

The itinerary will follow the Core Shack route through Zafranal, Cerro Verde, Cuajone, and Toquepala, allowing participants to analyze some of the most important Cu-Mo porphyry systems in the Central Andes, combining technical drill core review with visits to operating mines.

Over four days, participants will explore the Paleocene copper porphyry belt of southern Peru, beginning with a technical session reviewing drill core from the Jurassic copper porphyry at the Zafranal project in its Core Shack in Arequipa, followed by visits to the operations of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde and Southern Peru Copper Corporation (Cuajone and Toquepala).

The experience will allow for in-field discussion of intrusive lithologies, hydrothermal alteration styles, structural controls on mineralization, and the relationship of these deposits with Andean magmatism within the metallogenic belt of southern Peru.

Applied Training

Through direct observation of drill core and field study of producing deposits, participants will integrate concepts of mine geology, hydrothermal architecture, and regional geological context, applying them to the exploration and evaluation of Cu-Mo porphyry deposits in the Andes.

The field trip will be led by Dr. William X. Chávez Jr., Professor of Geological Engineering and economic geologist at the New Mexico School of Mines. He holds undergraduate degrees in Geology and Mining Engineering from the same institution, as well as a master’s and PhD in Geology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is also a distinguished lecturer of the Society of Economic Geologists, where he delivers courses and workshops on geochemistry applied to exploration and supergene processes.

Registration Open

The trip is aimed at exploration geologists, mine geologists, geology students, and professionals from the mining industry. The fee is USD 1,500 per participant, including VAT. Registration closes on April 10, 2026.

Requirements include being between 18 and 65 years of age, having occupational health and pension insurance (SCTR), and being in good physical condition. The fee covers internal transportation according to the program, accommodation, meals, and a certificate of participation.

For more information, interested participants may contact viajesproexplo@iimp.org.pe
or reach out via WhatsApp to Helen Loaiza (+51) 95129434 or Yesenia Pimentel (+51) 955750108.