Peru's informal mining sector protests block copper shipments

Intelligence Update

• Since 30 June 2025, tens of thousands of informal and artisanal copper miners, affiliated with the National Confederation of Small-Scale and Artisanal Mining of Peru (CONFEMIN), have been staging fresh protests across various regions of the country, particularly in the regions of Arequipa, Cusco, and Apurímac.

• These demonstrations are part months long demonstrations demanding that the government extend the deadline for regularising informal mining activities and to suspend transportation for large formal mining companies. Miners have been gathering in front of Congress in Lima to voice their concerns.

• In Peru, small-scale miners make use of the Comprehensive Registry of the Comprehensive Mining Formalization Process (REINFO), a temporary document that helps them formalise their operations and allows them operate legally. In June 2025, the government extended the process, but CONFEMIN is requesting for further extensions. However, the government aims to conclude this process by 31 December 2025. According to CONFEMIN, if the deadline is not extended, tens of thousands of miners may lose their license to operate.

• The union argues that process is complicated and that the stipulated deadline will not provide enough time for miners to meet all the requirements due to logistical challenges. As of early July 2025, only 2% of the 82,130 miners who registered on the platform have successfully completed the formalisation process, which means they are now operating legally. Meanwhile, 23,000 miners are still active but not yet formalised. Most of the registered miners have been suspended. 

  
  

  Background of these strikes and demonstrations

  
  

• The global rise in copper prices has encouraged many residents to abandon farming activities for artisanal mining.  They now depend on mining as a means of livelihood. This notable shift has created a strong competition for resource control between local miners and large mining companies. In the past, local communities have demanded greater benefits from these companies. They erect road blocks to make their voices heard. For instance, the La Bambas mine in Cotabambas has faced hundreds of days of roadblocks over the past decade. However, the current wave of protests is unprecedented, as miners are now fighting for their own rights to mine in these areas.

  
  

• Major copper-producing companies have felt the impact of these demonstrations, which have disrupted the movement of copper from mining sites to seaports, particularly along the southern corridor of the country. Copper mines like La Bambas, Antapaccay (owned by Glencore), and Constancia (owned by Hudbay Minerals) have struggled to transport their goods freely with facing roadblocks. Protesters make use of items such as rocks, tree trunks, and burning tyres to barricade Pan-American highways. Notably, despite a high police presence, there have not been major clashes between these protesters and security personnel.

  
  

  Impact on businesses and transport

  
  

• The ongoing restrictions on copper shipments may have long-term implications in the global market, as delays could prevent shipments from reaching countries like China, Japan, South Korea, etc, which have a high demand for copper.

• In Arequipa region for example, over 15,000 miners arrived in Chala, a key protest location. Reportedly, these protesters travelled all the way from Chaparra and Mollehuaca districts. Some of them even travelled hundreds of kilometres from the region of Ayacucho, to join the demonstrations in Arequipa.

• While some miners are staging roadblocks to block shipment routes, others are gathering outside administrative buildings in the capital city of Lime, this demonstrates a strong level of coordination and solidarity among the union.

• The protests have also caused delays for non-mining vehicles, including transport buses, private cars, and smaller vehicles, resulting in long traffic lines. Some reports indicate that drivers are stranded for hours.

• Additionally, some schools in the most affected region of Arequipa have suspended in-person classes due to the ongoing protests.

• These demonstrations may continue to grow larger and more frequent, especially since the government is unwilling to grant an extension. Major mining companies could face financial losses due to delays in transporting their goods.

• In the long run, these protests could negatively impact Peru’s economy, as the country is one of the largest exporters of copper. With a strong police presence and a documented history of police violence towards protesters, there is a risk that these demonstrations could turn violent at any time.