LIMA, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Southern Copper ( SCCO ), one of Peru's

largest copper producers, said on Tuesday that its $1.8 billion

Tia Maria mine project is 23% complete, and maintained its 2027

target start date for production.

The project is expected to produce 120,000 metric tonnes of

copper cathodes per year, the company said in its third-quarter

results report.

Southern Copper ( SCCO ) is also working on other mainly copper

projects in Peru at exploration or basic engineering stages,

with planned investments exceeding $10.3 billion over the next

decade, including the Los Chancas and Michiquillay copper

projects.

"With the support and assistance of the Peruvian

authorities, the company is moving forward to secure the

required administrative permits and licenses prior to

investment," Southern Copper ( SCCO ) said.

Southern Copper ( SCCO ), which is controlled by Grupo Mexico,

operates the Toquepala and Cuajone copper mines and the Ilo

refinery in southern Peru. In Mexico, it operates the Caridad

and Buenaventura mines and is developing the El Arco and Pilar

copper projects.