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Peru Extends Mining Formalization to 2026 as Illegal Operations Scar 270,000 Hectares

Officials say legal gaps still block lasting crackdowns on criminal mining.

Overview

  • Environment Minister Miguel Espichán reports roughly 270,000 hectares have been damaged by illegal mining, with protected zones such as Tambopata among the hardest hit.
  • Congress extended the Reinfo process through December 2026 while keeping thousands of disqualified entries out, narrowing the formalization cohort to about 24,000.
  • Authorities caution the extension must not be used to grant a veneer of legality to illicit operators.
  • The government advances a multisector enforcement model that includes permanent checkpoints under the Model Pataz and an interoperable traceability system linking Sunat, Sucamec, Sutran and Minem data.
  • Recent operations include logistics and equipment for the Yarana post in the Nanay basin to bolster ranger and environmental police patrols, alongside promotion of forest-based livelihoods such as Brazil nuts, shiringa and camu camu.