Peru Minister proposes energy solutions for Iquitos and new mining law

Peru’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Guillermo Shinno, has presented a multi-stage plan to address the energy crisis in Iquitos and the Loreto region. Short-term goals include investments via Electro Oriente to increase power generation and modernize obsolete infrastructure. Long-term objectives focus on integrating Iquitos into the National Interconnected Electric System (SEIN), potentially through a subaquatic fiber optic line with direct current from Yurimaguas.

Additionally, the government is advancing the Small Mining and Artisanal Mining (MAPE) Law. This legislation proposes two distinct regimes to formalize the sector: an ordinary regime requiring environmental and property compliance, and a consolidation regime providing an 18-month window for those currently in the formalization process to meet requirements. The law also includes the creation of FORMAPE, an agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mines to oversee authorization, supervision, and sanctions.