Author: Solidaridad Network, 2022
The 2022 report “Realities and Expectations of ASM in Peru” by the Solidaridad Network provides a thorough qualitative analysis of the challenges, perceptions, and aspirations of actors within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in Peru. Based on interviews and focus groups with miners, government officials, and civil society representatives in regions such as Puno, Madre de Dios, and Arequipa, the study captures the lived experience of over 200 participants navigating the country’s complex formalization framework. It highlights how despite official narratives around progress, many miners remain in legal limbo—registered in REINFO (the national formalization registry) but unable to complete the full transition due to technical, environmental, or financial obstacles.
A central theme in the report is the mismatch between policy design and local realities. The study documents how the current system is often viewed as punitive rather than enabling, especially for small producers who lack the capital or expertise to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, miners’ express frustration with a lack of clarity, transparency, and institutional support. Many participants view formalization as a moving target: while some perceive benefits such as increased legitimacy and improved market access, most fear losing their livelihoods due to missed deadlines, bureaucratic hurdles, or policy reversals. The report also exposes gender gaps and regional disparities in the formalization process, calling for more inclusive and differentiated approaches.
In light of recent political developments—such as the 2025 REINFO extension debate and suspended negotiations with informal mining groups, this study remains highly relevant. It argues that formalization, if poorly implemented, can undermine trust and fuel conflict, rather than promote legal integration and sustainable practices. The authors advocate for a more decentralized, participatory model that recognizes ASM’s economic contribution while addressing its environmental and social risks. Ultimately, the report frames formalization not just as a technical process, but as a social contract that must be co-designed with miners themselves to ensure legitimacy, equity, and long-term compliance.