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.

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