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.
Polish President Andrzej Duda called for a stronger U.S. presence in Poland and Central Europe during a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. Trump, however, assured Duda of U.S. support, saying Poland is a credible ally.
A knife attack in Mulhouse has left one person dead and three injured. France’s Interior Minister says migration issues played a role in the incident.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
San Francisco, CA, February 17, 2025 – OpenAI announced on Friday that its AI agent, Operator, is now available for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in a broader range of countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Polish President Andrzej Duda called for a stronger U.S. presence in Poland and Central Europe during a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. Trump, however, assured Duda of U.S. support, saying Poland is a credible ally.
Pope Francis' health has worsened, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. He has received supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
A knife attack in Mulhouse has left one person dead and three injured. France’s Interior Minister says migration issues played a role in the incident.
Cupertino, CA, February 17, 2025 – Apple today released the first developer beta for iOS 18.4, unveiling a new “Priority Notifications” feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Polish President Andrzej Duda called for a stronger U.S. presence in Poland and Central Europe during a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. Trump, however, assured Duda of U.S. support, saying Poland is a credible ally.
Pope Francis' health has worsened, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. He has received supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
A knife attack in Mulhouse has left one person dead and three injured. France’s Interior Minister says migration issues played a role in the incident.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is asking Congress for nearly $40 billion in disaster funding to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild areas scorched by last month's devastating wildfires, the Washington Post reported on Friday citing a letter.
Polish President Andrzej Duda called for a stronger U.S. presence in Poland and Central Europe during a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. Trump, however, assured Duda of U.S. support, saying Poland is a credible ally.
Pope Francis' health has worsened, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. He has received supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
A knife attack in Mulhouse has left one person dead and three injured. France’s Interior Minister says migration issues played a role in the incident.
Cupertino, CA, February 17, 2025 – Apple today released the first developer beta for iOS 18.4, unveiling a new “Priority Notifications” feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
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