The company`s Huanzala and Palka mines had been suspended since March 16 after the local government issued a state of emergency. They restarted operations after some economic activities resumed and the local government gave approval, a spokesman at Mitsui Mining said.

"The mines` operations have returned to the levels before the quarantine was put in place in March as they have been preparing for the restart since late June," he said without giving an output forecast for the current year.

The resumption of operations is being accompanied by measures to prevent infection among workers, the company said.

Metals production is essential for Peru`s economy, which has been devastated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.