Peruvian Informal Miners Suspend Talks with Government Amid Rising Tensions

Peruvian informal miners halt negotiations with authorities amid escalating tensions In Peru, informal miners have paused discussions with government officials, signaling potential resumption of protests following unresolved disagreements during negotiations. According to Maximo Franco Bequer, leader of the CONFEMIN union, the government declined to extend the August 17 deadline for miners to transfer explosives into official storage facilities. He indicated that approximately 20,000 miners, unable to meet this deadline, risk exclusion from a government initiative aimed at formalizing their operations. These miners, primarily based in the Cusco region, had previously suspended a two-week protest in July that blocked a key copper transportation corridor used by major mining companies such as MMG, Glencore, and Hudbay. Operating under temporary permits granted over a decade ago, these informal miners contend that the new, more stringent regulations designed to formalize their activities are excessively burdensome and could jeopardize their livelihoods. The union is expected to convene shortly to determine whether further protests will be organized. The ongoing dispute highlights t...