Peru Congress debates extension of mining formalization registry

The future of Peru’s Integral Mining Formalization Registry (Reinfo) is currently under debate in the Peruvian Congress. The registry is scheduled to expire on December 31, but the National Confederation of Small Mining and Artisanal Mining of Peru (Confemin) is seeking a three-year extension.

Senator Ruth Luque Ibarra has expressed concern regarding the growth of illicit economies, noting that illegal gold mining is a primary driver that often intersects with political power. Experts have warned that Reinfo is frequently exploited to launder illegal gold and shield illicit activities from state prosecution.

In the legislature, the decision rests with the Energy and Mines Commissions in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Several lawmakers involved in these commissions have documented ties to small-scale mining or have held meetings with mining interest groups. Meanwhile, Roque Benavides, president of Expomina Peru 2026, has urged the Executive branch to include mining formalization measures within its requested legislative powers to combat corruption and economic instability caused by informality.