Peru copper transport disrupted as informal miners block roads
While onsite operations are unaffected, transport of semi-processed copper from MMG's Las Bambas (pictured) and Hudbay's Constancia are said to be interrupted.
Roadblocks by informal miners are disrupting transport of copper from some mines in Peru, including those owned by MMG and Hudbay Minerals, said people briefed on the matter.
Artisanal miners are staging blockades in one of the world’s biggest copper-producing nations to push for a regulatory framework that caters specifically to small-scale mines.
While on-site operations are unaffected by the protests, transport of semi-processed copper from MMG’s Las Bambas and Hudbay’s Constancia have been interrupted, said the people, asking not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly. Spokespeople at the two companies didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rising metal prices have boosted informal activity, which is encroaching on concessions held by large companies and threatening development of some of the world’s biggest deposits. Conflicts between property and concession holders have become a key issue, with the government struggling to strike a balance.
Many small-scale miners use a temporary registry called Reinfo, which allows them to operate as they go through the process of formalizing. Reinfo, which has been extended until the end of 2025, is widely opposed by the industry, which sees the permits as a cover for illegal activity.
Now, proposed legislation for artisanal and small-scale mining, dubbed the MAPE Law, has been sent to Congress. But big companies warn that a draft being debated could end up legitimizing informal activity and further weakening formalization efforts.
The protesters are demanding that the government extend the formalization process without restrictions.
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