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Lagunas Norte Mine
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The Lagunas Norte Mine is a major gold deposit located in the La Libertad region of northern Peru. Situated in the Santiago de Chuco province, the mine operates at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters in the Andes Mountains. Originally developed by Barrick Gold, it was for many years one of the country's most productive gold mines before being acquired by Boroo Pte Ltd in 2021. Extraction is carried out via open-pit mining, utilizing heap leach technology for the recovery of precious metals. Since production began in 2005, Lagunas Norte has produced millions of ounces of gold and has been a central pillar for regional employment. Current management is focused on optimizing remaining resources and investigating deeper sulfide ores to extend the operational life beyond its original closure date.
- Location: Peru
- Nearby: Chimbote (47 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 34 | 52 | 36 | 17 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 27 | 32 | 31 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Lagunas Norte Mine in the La Libertad region is a major gold mine in the Peruvian Andes. It plays a key role in the country's gold production and regional employment.
Visiting
The mine is not regularly open to the public, but it can be seen from surrounding hills. Visitors should stick to viewpoints along the main road that passes the mine.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is on the winding road branching off the Panamericana towards the mine. From here, there is a wide view of the open pit and processing facilities.
Local products
Gold is the main product, cast into bars and exported. In the nearby city of Trujillo, travelers can buy traditional Peruvian ceramics and textiles.
Active season
The mine operates year-round, with the dry season (May-October) enabling the most efficient operations. In the rainy season, transport routes may be affected by rainfall.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the colonial city of Trujillo and its archaeological sites like Chan Chan. The nearby beaches of Huanchaco are also worth a trip.
Geography
Facts
- Production commenced in 2005
- Located in La Libertad at 4,000m altitude
- Acquired by Boroo Pte Ltd in 2021
- Uses the heap leaching recovery process
- Primary production of gold and silver
- Historical peak production of over 1 million oz/year
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is produced at Lagunas Norte?
Mainly gold is mined there.
Where is the mine located?
It is located in the La Libertad region, high in the Andes.
Is visiting the mine allowed?
No, it is a private, non-public industrial site.
What is the climate like there?
Due to the altitude, it is usually cold and changeable.
Which city is the nearest starting point?
Trujillo is the nearest larger city.
Lagunas Norte Mine: where is it located?
Lagunas Norte Mine is located in Peru.
Lagunas Norte Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Lagunas Norte Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Lagunas Norte Mine is a major gold deposit located in the La Libertad region of northern Peru.
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Nearby cities
Trujillo
Center of the Chimú culture in northern Peru.
Tarapoto
The city of palms in the Peruvian high jungle, a paradise for nature lovers and waterfall enthusiasts.
Huanchaco
A historic fishing village near Trujillo, world-famous for its traditional reed boats and excellent surfing conditions.
Caraz
The gateway to the majestic Cordillera Blanca, known as "Caraz Dulzura" for its famous handmade sweets.
History & landmarks
Cajamarca
A historic highland city where the Inca Empire met the Spanish conquerors, famous for its colonial architecture and thermal springs.
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Two massive pyramids of the Moche culture near Trujillo, known for their colorful murals and reliefs.
Chan Chan
The largest pre-Columbian city in South America and the former capital of the Chimú Empire, built entirely of mud bricks.
Cumbemayo
An impressive archaeological site known for its pre-Inca aqueducts and the distinctive rock formations 'Los Frailones'.
Kuélap
A massive fortress of the Chachapoya culture high in the Andes, often called the 'Machu Picchu of the North'.
Chachapoyas
A charming city in the cloud forest, serving as the gateway to the massive Kuélap fortress and Gocta, one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
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Port of Salaverry
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Trujillo Botanical Garden
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