South African explosives and chemicals company AECI has acquired land in Peru for a development project, bolstering its position as a mining services provider in the well-endowed South American region and as part of its bold strategy to further internationalise its mining services business.

Since its successful expansion into Brazil and Chile in 2020, AECI’s entry into Peru establishes the company as a dominant player in one of the world’s most dynamic mining regions, the company states.

Known for its rich deposits of copper, gold, silver and other critical minerals, Peru offers an “exciting” opportunity for AECI to deliver its modern products and services to a market which it says is ready for growth.

The newly acquired project encompasses nearly 200 ha of strategically-located land, complete with permits to build modern explosives manufacturing plants.

The development project will empower AECI to deliver a comprehensive suite of products and services, ranging from high-performance explosives, as well as the introduction of its modern electronic detonators and initiating systems.

AECI provides products and services to a broad spectrum of customers in the mining, water treatment, plant and animal health, food and beverage, infrastructure, and general industrial sectors.

It also includes the offering of its specialised mining chemicals – technology that has already set new standards in effective resource extraction across the globe.

The acquisition not only marks a fundamental step in AECI’s global expansion strategy, but also positions the company well in terms of innovation in the Latin American mining industry.

Peru represents a strategic addition to AECI’s growing footprint in Latin America, states AECI CEO Holger Riemensperger.

“This acquisition not only strengthens our position in a key market, but also underscores our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global mining industry.

“We are not just expanding geographically; we are setting new standards in how mining solutions are delivered,” he says.

Situated in the heart of Peru’s most productive mining region, AECI states that its new land will serve as a launchpad for AECI’s direct operations, enabling the company to supply safely and efficiently to the local mining industry.

“Our investment in Peru is a testament to our confidence in the country’s mining sector and our strategic vision for the future,” says AECI Mining acting executive VP Thinus Bierman.

AECI is not merely entering a new market, he avers, but making a commitment to drive growth through innovation, local partnerships and a deep understanding of its customers’ needs.

“This is about creating value for our stakeholders and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth,” says Bierman.

With significant planned investments in infrastructure and technology, AECI is poised to increase the potential of this project, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply to its customers.

The company reports that it is committed to supporting Peru’s economic growth by creating jobs, fostering the development of local skills and driving innovation that will pave the way for the next 100 years.