Peru at a crossroads, $6 billion in mining projects under review amid deep political unrest

Reuters has reported that on Peru’s Independence Day, President Dina Boluarte stood before Congress and delivered a message that signals a potential turning point for the country’s mining sector and its economy.

$6 Billion on the table

Boluarte announced that her administration is evaluating 134 new mining exploration and exploitation projects, representing a staggering $6 billion in potential investments. For a country that ranks as the world’s third-largest copper producer, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As her government struggles with one of the lowest approval ratings globally (just 2–4%), this move is seen as a bid to shore up revenues and stability.

Unrest and blockades

But the mining sector isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. In June, informal miners took to the streets, blocking key transport corridors used by giants like MMG Limited and Glencore. While protests have temporarily ceased during negotiations, tension remains. Over 50,000 informal miners were removed from a formalization program, and now only 31,000 remain in the pipeline for compliance by year’s end.

Private fund for small miners

In an effort to ease pressure, Boluarte proposed a private mining fund aimed at giving small, formalized miners better access to financing, a nod to the critical need for inclusivity in the sector’s growth.

While Peru’s economy is recovering from a recession triggered by protests, poverty still grips nearly 30% of the population. Protesters were marching toward Congress this week.

A new oil deal with Ecuador

In parallel, Boluarte unveiled a strategic energy partnership with Petroecuador to transport Ecuadorian oil to Peru’s Talara refinery, a sign that cross-border collaboration remains on the agenda despite domestic turmoil.

27th World Mining Congress

The 27th World Mining Congress, which is scheduled to take place between 24–26 June 2026 in Peru, will be a perfect platform to discuss potential mining projects and the mining scene. This is one of the biggest Mining events, bringing together global mining leaders to shape the future of the industry. The theme of the event will be: „Mining for the Future – Technology, Trust, and Transformation”. We invite everyone to participate. All information can be found on the events webpage.