LIMA, June 5 (Reuters) - Peru's government has

authorized miner Barrick Gold Corp ( GOLD ) to carry out mining

explorations in the country's southern border area, the prime

minister announced on Wednesday.

Peru's constitution requires foreign private investment

within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the country's border to be

approved by the cabinet of ministers.

"The expansion of our mining portfolio is essential,

given that this activity is one that drives the economic

reactivation process," Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen said in

a press conference.

Mining is key to Peru's economy, with 60% of the Andean

nation's exports coming from the mining sector, mostly copper.

Officials have been working to attract private mining

investment after a dip last year contributed to the country

falling into a recession.