A congressional committee in Peru has taken a key step toward extending temporary permits for informal miners, a decision that comes amid rising tension and large demonstrations in the capital. On Tuesday, lawmakers on the committee approved a proposal that would allow these permits to remain valid until the end of 2027, giving miners several more years to operate legally while they work toward formalisation.
The move follows growing pressure from informal mining groups, many of whom travelled long distances to make their voices heard. More than a thousand miners gathered outside the legislature in Lima, calling for lawmakers to extend the permits before they expire. Many carried signs and chanted slogans, arguing that thousands of livelihoods depend on the continuation of these temporary authorisations.
Informal mining has long been a major part of Peru’s economy, especially in rural regions where employment opportunities are limited. While the sector generates income for many families, it also remains tied to serious environmental concerns and safety challenges. Successive governments have attempted to formalise the industry, but progress has been slow and complicated by local disputes, limited resources and bureaucratic hurdles.
Miners say the process for obtaining full legal status is lengthy and expensive. They argue that without an extension of temporary permits, many would be forced to abandon their operations, leading to economic hardship for entire communities. Some protesters said their families rely entirely on mining income, making the upcoming expiration date especially stressful. They urged lawmakers to recognise the social impact of allowing permits to lapse.
The bill approved by the committee still needs to advance through full congressional debate before becoming law. Supporters within the legislature say the extension is necessary to maintain stability and prevent unrest in mining regions. They also argue that giving miners more time to complete the formalisation process is a practical step that acknowledges the realities on the ground.
Critics, however, warn that repeated extensions risk encouraging informal activity rather than reducing it. Environmental groups stress that informal mining, particularly in areas such as the Amazon, has caused long lasting damage to forests, rivers and wildlife. They fear that an extended timeline may weaken efforts to regulate the industry and enforce environmental protections.
Government officials have said they want to balance economic needs with responsible regulation. They note that formalisation remains the long term goal and that temporary permits are not meant to be permanent solutions. However, they acknowledge that immediate enforcement without support could create social instability.
As debate continues in Congress, miners have vowed to maintain pressure until the extension becomes official. Many say they hope the government will pair the new timeline with clearer guidance and more accessible pathways toward full legal status.
