Peru keeps controversial mining registry in place

Wed June 25 2025

The Peruvian government has extended the Reinfo system through December, even though its initial objective has been subverted by illegal miners, who use it to shield their activities and spread their influence in the gold and copper sectors.

Reinfo was initially set up in August 2017 to help small-scale and artisanal miners and was expected to last until August 2020.

Of the 82,129 miners that are currently in the system, only 23,289 have valid licenses, while the rest are suspended. Yet, all those registered face little oversight.

Reinfo was maintained because the congressional energy and mines committee neither debated nor approved the artisanal and small-scale mining law (MAPE law) as lawmakers and ministerial representatives did not reach the quorum.

Debate on the MAPE law can only resume in late July or early August when the next legislative session starts.

Former energy and mines minister Rómulo Mucho was removed due to delays related to the MAPE law. His successor, Jorge Montero, promised that this will be the final extension of Reinfo.

Eliminating the system is complicated by the lack of dialogue between key stakeholders like congress, the energy and mines ministry, and other public entities. The situation leads to postponing any debate, which makes it impossible to properly regulate the system.

Illegal mining is expected to generate around US$12bn in 2025. In May, 13 people were murdered in clashes in formal concession areas.

Source: https://www.bnamericas.com/