IIMP warns of potential Reinfo extension in Peru

The Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP) has warned that delays in approving the Small-Scale Mining and Artisanal Mining Law (Ley MAPE) could be used as a justification to extend the Integral Mining Formalization Registry (Reinfo).

Gustavo De Vinatea, general manager of the IIMP, stated that the Reinfo is currently scheduled to expire on December 31. He cautioned that there may be strategies to stall the legislative debate to argue that an extension is mandatory if the new law is not passed by year-end.

De Vinatea emphasized that the approval of the Ley MAPE is not a prerequisite for ending the Reinfo, as existing legal frameworks, including the General Mining Law and legislation from 2002, already allow for the formalization of small-scale and artisanal miners. He noted that the Reinfo has been in effect for 14 years and criticized its successive extensions, which he believes have perpetuated a mechanism intended to be transitional, often facilitating mining activities outside of formal structures.