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                                                                      Exhibit 15
Arthur Andersen

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20549



We are aware that our report dated July 16, 2001 on our review of the interim
financial information of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and Subsidiaries as of
June 30, 2001 and three-month period ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 and included
in this Form 10-Q for the periods then ended, is incorporated by reference in
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-02736 and
333-40293). Pursuant to Regulation C of the Securities Act of 1933, that report
is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared by our firm or a
report prepared or certified by our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11
of the Act.

Very truly yours,






ARTHUR ANDERSEN, LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
August 10, 2001