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.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment