INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Peruvian government has ignited fierce debate after publishing regulations for Law 32213 that allow temporary permits for illegal mining
operations to be inherited.This controversial move comes as Peru struggles with widespread mining-related crime and environmental
The new regulation permits the transfer of Reinfo registrations through inheritance.These temporary permits are designed to help informal
miners become legal and can now be passed on when the original holder dies
It also allows miners to relocate their operations to different concessions than originally declared, effectively expanding their
reach.Political opposition emerged immediately
provision creates a pathway for illegal mining to continue under the guise of informality
The National Assembly of Regional Governments complained they were never consulted despite their supervisory role in mining
formalization.Peru Legalizes Dynasty of Illegal Mining Through Inheritance Law
formalization process into a permanent arrangement that could span generations.The Reinfo registry was established in 2016 as a temporary
mechanism to reduce mining informality
Despite this intention, the Peruvian Congress has repeatedly extended its deadline.The latest extension came in late 2024, giving informal
miners another six months to regularize their operations
Ministry data reveals that only 4% of the 85,000 miners seeking formalization actually own the concessions where they operate.This statistic
highlights the massive scale of informal mining throughout Peru
The situation has worsened recently with the murder of 13 mining workers in Pataz province, prompting authorities to declare a state of
emergency.Illegal mining generates approximately $6 billion annually in Peru, representing significant lost tax revenue and environmental
The criminal networks behind these operations often engage in money laundering, human trafficking, and violence to protect their
interests.As the current Reinfo extension approaches its June 2025 expiration, lawmakers have proposed creating a new comprehensive law for
small-scale and artisanal mining
Critics fear this legislation might further legitimize illegal operations rather than effectively regulate them.The controversy underscores
The inheritance provision particularly troubles experts who see it as surrendering to illegal mining interests rather than enforcing
