Peru says over 20 companies interested in $2bn copper project

More than 20 companies have expressed an interest in bidding on the $2-billion Peruvian copper project Michiquillay in an auction due to take place on December 20, the Peruvian government said on Monday. The auction date had been pushed back from the originally scheduled November 15, state bidding agency Proinversion said in a statement. It said it had given more time for companies to sign up to take part, given the volume of interest.