Peru Plans to Implement a Transitional Regime for Small-Scale Mining Formalization for 2027–2028

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 12, Peru's Minister of Energy and Mines, Guillermo Shinno, presented a new draft of the Small-Scale Mining and Artisanal Mining Law (Ley MAPE), which proposes to establish two mining formalization regimes starting January 1, 2027. Under the plan, the existing Comprehensive Mining Formalization Registry (REINFO) is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, with a transitional regime for already registered mining operators running until December 31, 2028, while new entrants to the sector would be subject to a permanent ordinary management regime.

According to the draft, the Transitional Regime (Régimen de Consolidación) would apply only to mining operators already included in REINFO, and the entities concerned must complete the formalization process within the prescribed time limit. The Permanent Ordinary Regime (Régimen Ordinario) would apply to new operators and to mining production entities that have completed formalization; before mining or resuming production, they must obtain authorization from the competent sector authority and environmental certification according to the type of activity.

In addition to holders of mining rights, the draft would also apply to operators of ore dressing and mineral processing activities, purchasers, transporters, processors and traders of mineral products, as well as other relevant entities involved in the circulation of mineral products. Environmental management would be carried out in accordance with Peru's National Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), and the relevant mining activities must obtain the applicable environmental certification.

With regard to the establishment of regulatory institutions, the draft proposes to create the National Institute for the Strengthening of Artisanal Mining and Small-Scale Mining, Formape, under Peru's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). The institution would be responsible for managing the mining operation information and mineral product traceability system, reviewing environmental management documents, certifying the qualifications of small-scale mining and artisanal mining entities, and issuing permits for the commencement or resumption of mining activities.

The draft also proposes to authorize Peru's state-owned Banco de la Nación to provide banking services to small-scale mining and artisanal mining operators. Under the current Law No. 32537, the deadline for Peru's comprehensive small-scale mining formalization procedure is extended to December 31, 2026, and the mining operators concerned must also submit, as required, the geographic coordinates and supporting documents of the actual mining operation sites.