In early August 2025, informal miners in southern Peru suspended negotiations with the government over new regulatory requirements, citing unresolved demands and lack of progress. The conflict centers on updated safety protocols—particularly a controversial mandate that requires all registered miners to install specialized infrastructure for explosive storage by mid-August. Informal mining unions argue that the measure is impractical for small-scale operations, especially in remote areas without technical or financial support. The decision to break off talks raises concerns about renewed blockades along critical copper transport routes in regions such as Apurímac and Cusco, echoing previous disruptions that have affected major producers like MMG and Glencore.
The breakdown in dialogue comes just weeks after the government removed over 50,000 miners from the REINFO registry—the system designed to facilitate the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining in Peru. Only about 31,000 miners remain eligible under current rules, and tensions have been rising over how the state is managing the formalization process. While the Ministry of Energy and Mines has emphasized that explosive regulations are necessary for public safety, unions representing informal miners claim they were excluded from decision-making and given insufficient time to comply. These grievances are amplified by deep-rooted mistrust in state institutions and fears of losing livelihoods.
This situation highlights the precarious nature of social license to operate in regions where informal mining provides a critical source of income. Without inclusive policy design and responsive implementation, efforts to regulate the sector risk triggering social unrest and operational instability. The suspension of talks should be seen as a warning sign: unless the government re-engages with mining communities in good faith, future protests could paralyze key infrastructure, damage investor confidence, and undermine broader efforts to transition toward a more formal and sustainable mining economy.