June 2025: Illegal Mining Crisis Challenges Peru’s Copper Industry

On June 26, Peru’s top mining association (SNMPE) raised alarms over the explosive growth of illegal and informal mining in key copper regions. The sector now sees this crisis as the biggest obstacle to fully leveraging the country’s mineral wealth. With Peru dropping to third place in global copper output—producing 2.74 million tonnes in 2024—concerns are growing over lost revenues, environmental damage, and investor hesitation. Officials are being urged to enforce mining laws more effectively without triggering further social unrest.