Peruvian government seeks network of experts to formalize mining

In the midst of a scenario marked by illegal mining that positions Peru as the main exporter of illegal gold in the region, the Government seeks to implement a network of "experts" as a proposal for mining formalization in the country. This strategy, led by the high commissioner for mining formalization, Antonio García, aims to confront illegal mining and accelerate the formalization process, in a challenge that is recognized as gigantic. According to the Peruvian Institute of Economics (IPE), illegal mining in Peru is an illicit activity that involves a significantly high volume of money, surpassing even other illicit activities such as money laundering. Faced with this concerning panorama, García has emphasized the importance of seeking international support to combat this scourge. In this sense, the United States has expressed interest in collaborating with Peru in the fight against illegal mining, joining other countries that could contribute with their experience and knowledge in the field. The proposal to create a committee similar to the Fiscal Council, but focused on mining formalization and combating illegal mining, with the support of international experts, aims to establish a comprehensive approach that allows for the identification of best practices from other countries and adapting them to the Peruvian reality. This network of experts would become a space for the exchange of knowledge and strategies to effectively address this problem that affects not only the mining sector but also the environment and society as a whole. Amid the discussion about the historical highs of copper and gold prices, which could incentivize the expansion of informal and illegal mining, García highlights the importance of seizing these opportunities appropriately, emphasizing the need to strengthen formalization, eradicate illegal mining, and ensure environmental recovery. In this sense, the proposal of banking as a key tool to improve mineral traceability and combat illegal trade is raised. Former Minister of Energy and Mines, Luis Miguel Incháustegui, agrees that high metal prices are favorable for the country, but also emphasizes the importance of improving political management and the fight against illegal mining to strengthen the confidence of foreign investors. In this regard, international collaboration and the evaluation of mining specialists could provide a technical and objective approach to identifying areas for improvement and strengthening formalization policies. The need to review the legal framework to firmly classify illegal mining as a serious crime, comparable to drug trafficking, is one of the key proposals to strengthen police and judicial actions against this criminal activity. Likewise, the proposal for the Ministry of Energy and Mines to temporarily assume the direction of mining formalization instead of regional governments, with a unified and efficient system, aims to expedite and strengthen the formalization process in the country. In this context, the need to generate concrete and effective results in mining formalization becomes an urgent challenge, considering that the Comprehensive Mining Formalization Registry (Reinfo) has shown limitations and difficulties in its implementation. Collaboration with the private sector, technical assistance at the regional level, and strengthening the budgetary capacity of regional governments are key aspects that must be considered to achieve significant progress in mining formalization and the fight against illegal mining in the country. In conclusion, the proposal to establish a network of international experts and strengthen international collaboration to address the issue of illegal mining in Peru represents an important step in the search for effective and sustainable solutions. The challenge of formalizing this sector, combating illegal mining, and ensuring the sustainable development of the mining industry in the country requires a comprehensive, coordinated approach and the commitment of all stakeholders involved to achieve concrete results and long-term benefits for Peruvian society.