presently, mining is the main economic activity. since the foundation of pierina gold mine in 1996, for the canadian company barrick gold corporation. industry is composed of medium and small companies dedicated to food industry, as the elaboration of soft drinks, beer, cheeses and milk derivates, and this activity occupies a 13% of the economically active population. also exist companies dedicated to the building and housing industry. those kind of companies are spread by different parts of the metropolitan area and callejón de huaylas basin.