Peru’s Congress has removed Energy and Mines Minister Romulo Mucho following protests by small-scale miners. They are demanding more time to legalize their work under a government program that is set to expire.
Thousands of small-scale miners in Peru have taken to the streets, blocking roads and camping outside Congress to demand an extension of a temporary permit program that allows them to operate legally.
The miners are calling for a two-year extension to the REINFO program, which is set to expire on December 31. The government has proposed a six-month extension, but miners argue this is not enough time to meet legal requirements. Protesters have blocked major highways in southern regions, disrupting traffic for kilometers, and set up tents near Congress to voice their concerns.
The REINFO program, launched in 2012, was designed to help miners transition to legal operations by giving them temporary permits while they formalize. However, only 20% of the 85,000 registered miners have completed the process. Critics say the program has enabled illegal mining, with miners operating in restricted areas or on private property without adhering to labor or environmental regulations. According to authorities, such activities have caused significant harm, including attacks on formal mining sites that have resulted in over 30 deaths in the past two years.
Despite these challenges, small-scale miners play a crucial role in Peru’s economy, contributing an estimated 40%–50% of the country’s gold production, which reached 99.7 million grams in 2023. This economic significance underscores the tension between the miners and government authorities, as both parties grapple with balancing economic development and environmental protection.
Social conflict analyst Pedro Yaranga has warned that the situation could spiral if no agreement is reached. “If this isn’t resolved, it’s going to be a timebomb,” Yaranga said. As the government faces mounting pressure, President Dina Boluarte and Congress must find a solution that addresses the miners’ concerns while tackling the broader issues of illegal mining and regulatory enforcement.
On April 2, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku to honor the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
China is prepared to collaborate with Russia to advance multi-polarization and promote greater democracy in international relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after discussions with Russian officials in Moscow.
Myanmar’s military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals aimed at facilitating rescue efforts after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. As the death toll climbs to 2,719, with 400 missing and over 4,000 injured, military operations continue despite calls from opposition groups to pause the conf
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed his testimony at the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday, continuing his defense in the high-profile corruption trial, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of more military assets to the Middle East, responding to escalating tensions with Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that the move aims to bolster regional stability and enhance defense capabilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a sweeping new round of tariffs on what he calls “Liberation Day,” a move that could shake up U.S. trade policy and heighten tensions with global partners. With few details known, markets are already bracing for impact.
On April 2, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku to honor the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
China is prepared to collaborate with Russia to advance multi-polarization and promote greater democracy in international relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after discussions with Russian officials in Moscow.
The US Attorney-General has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for the 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealth Group CEO. In official statement, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo labeled the Attorney General’s move as “barbaric.”
Myanmar’s military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals aimed at facilitating rescue efforts after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. As the death toll climbs to 2,719, with 400 missing and over 4,000 injured, military operations continue despite calls from opposition groups to pause the conf
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
China is prepared to collaborate with Russia to advance multi-polarization and promote greater democracy in international relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after discussions with Russian officials in Moscow.
The US Attorney-General has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for the 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealth Group CEO. In official statement, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo labeled the Attorney General’s move as “barbaric.”
Myanmar’s military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals aimed at facilitating rescue efforts after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. As the death toll climbs to 2,719, with 400 missing and over 4,000 injured, military operations continue despite calls from opposition groups to pause the conf
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed his testimony at the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday, continuing his defense in the high-profile corruption trial, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has received President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik at the Kremlin on Tuesday night. He arrived in Moscow after a court in Bosnia and Herzegovina issued an international arrest warrant for Dodik, the leader of the Serb half of the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a sweeping new round of tariffs on what he calls “Liberation Day,” a move that could shake up U.S. trade policy and heighten tensions with global partners. With few details known, markets are already bracing for impact.
On April 2, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku to honor the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
China is prepared to collaborate with Russia to advance multi-polarization and promote greater democracy in international relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after discussions with Russian officials in Moscow.
The US Attorney-General has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for the 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealth Group CEO. In official statement, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo labeled the Attorney General’s move as “barbaric.”
Myanmar’s military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals aimed at facilitating rescue efforts after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. As the death toll climbs to 2,719, with 400 missing and over 4,000 injured, military operations continue despite calls from opposition groups to pause the conf
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