LIMA, April 19 (Reuters) - Peru's Energy and Mines Ministry has authorized the start of exploitation activities at Southern Copper Corp's long-delayed Tia Maria copper project, according to a government resolution.

The approval allows Southern Copper's Peruvian unit to begin the first stage of operations at the La Tapada open-pit mine, located in the district of Cocachacra in the region of Arequipa in southern Peru and delayed for more than a decade.

The resolution from Friday confirms that the company has met regulatory requirements, including environmental certification, land ownership and safety and health obligations, the ministry said.

The ministry approved Tia Maria's environmental impact study in 2014, with further technical approvals granted in 2018. The ministry said no prior consultation with Indigenous communities was required, as none are present in the project's direct area of influence.

The project, one of Peru's most controversial mining developments, has faced years of local opposition over water use and environmental concerns.