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.
France’s government is moving to pass emergency legislation to keep the state operating into January after lawmakers failed to agree on a 2026 budge...
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firear...
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their ...
The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warn...
Diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine remain at an early and uncertain stage, despite increased international engagement....
Diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine remain at an early and uncertain stage, despite increased international engagement.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's attempt to send National Guard troops to the Chicago area, amid concerns that the Republican president is using the military in Democratic-led regions to punish opponents and suppress dissent on Tuesday.
The United States and Iran traded barbs at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday over conditions for reviving nuclear talks, with the U.S. saying it remains ready for direct negotiations and Iran rejecting Washington's terms.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
Paramount has reaffirmed its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash and backing the proposal with a $40.4 billion personal equity guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, despite the target company’s board urging shareholders to reject the offer.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved plans to construct a new class of battleships, which he described as larger, faster and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. warship.
As the European Commission warns of possible visa suspension, Georgian authorities reject accusations of democratic backsliding. What is really at stake — and who could be affected most?
France’s government is moving to pass emergency legislation to keep the state operating into January after lawmakers failed to agree on a 2026 budget, as pressure grows from investors and credit ratings agencies.
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warned other Latin American countries could be next, the U.S. told the United Nations on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment