An Industry Without Political Backing
Peruvian mining, long regarded as a cornerstone of the national economy and a driver of regional development, faces a striking paradox: while it sustains much of the country’s fiscal revenue, formal employment, and foreign investment, it remains largely absent from the national political agenda. Its strategic role has been overshadowed by short-term debates and the lack of political will to consolidate a modern, sustainable, and formal industry. The 2019 document Vision of Mining in Peru to 2030, produced by the RIMAY Group with representatives from government, academia, and the private sector, offered a clear path forward—formalization, competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. Yet six years later, progress has been minimal.
Formalization and Competitiveness as Structural Gaps
The most urgent challenge remains formalization. Thousands of illegal mining operations continue to expand with significant economic and territorial power, damaging ecosystems, undermining institutions, and eroding community trust. The persistence of informality has weakened legitimate companies that comply with environmental and labor regulations, pay taxes, and promote sustainable development. Meanwhile, strategic investment projects such as Tía María, Michiquillay, and Río Blanco remain stalled amid social conflict and weak local governance. The absence of consistent leadership and a coherent national narrative on the benefits of modern mining prevents the country from fully realizing its productive and technological potential.
Reclaiming Legitimacy Through Education and Governance
The lack of understanding of formal mining begins in the classroom. Peru’s national curriculum barely addresses the subject, missing the chance to cultivate a citizen mining culture grounded in science, transparency, and environmental respect. This educational gap fuels misperceptions that equate mining solely with conflict or damage, ignoring its contributions to infrastructure, energy, and innovation. Overcoming this requires robust institutions, informed citizen participation, and political stability. Reintegrating mining into the public agenda is not merely an economic decision—it is a national choice about governance, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Only through a renewed social contract can formal mining regain legitimacy as a strategic pillar of Peru’s development.