city, central Peru. It is situated at the junction of the Mantaro and Yauli rivers on a central plateau of the Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 12,195 feet (3,717 metres). The city, located in a rich mining region based on the Cerro de Pasco, Morococha, and Casapalca mines, is a smelting and refining centre for copper, zinc, silver, and lead ores; it is also the site of a hydroelectric station fed by Pomacocha Reservoir, 20 miles (32 km) southwest. The first railroad in the area was completed in 1893 to spur silver production, and the first highway in 1943. La Oroya has become a communications link between Lima and the interior. Pop. (2005) 19,204.