Peruvian governments ups the fight against illegal mining

 In many ways, 2015 in Peru was defined by the Peruvian government’s fight against illegal mining. In addition to a formalization program for informal miners, the government also took the fight to illegal miners, carrying out many raids against illegal mining operations. This week, the Peruvian government announced that they would make this fight permanent by establishing a new military base in the La Pampa region of the Madre de Dios department, specifically for fighting illegal mining.

Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano explained 100 soldiers would be stationed at the base within the next 3 months. He called La Pampa “the epicenter of illegality.” Madre de Dios regional governor Luis Otsuka agreed with the government’s planning, affirming that this is the quickest and most effective way to fight illegal mining.

In addition to the new base, Prime Minister Cateriano and Governor Otsuka agreed to establish round tables to discuss and resolve issues related to illegal mining and to contribute to sustainable development in the region. The Prime Minister stressed that Madre de Dios is a high priority for the Peruvian government, and argued that these roundtables will serve as a model that can be used in other parts of the country.

Lastly, in mining-related news, the general manager for the IPAE business school, Carlos Montalván, told the press that Peru needs more professionals trained in technology, mining, and construction, in order to meet current demand in the labor market. He stressed that, “Peru needs more than just lawyers. We need people trained in technology, mining, construction, engineering, and others.”