Peru seeks public‑private partnership to tackle El Niño threats and mining disputes

Peru is preparing a public‑private strategy to strengthen disaster prevention, infrastructure and mining investment as the El Niño phenomenon threatens the north‑central coast, where more than 1.5 million people face high to very‑high risk and key transport routes such as the Pan‑American Highway could be disrupted. The plan aims to mobilise private sector logistics and capital before emergencies occur, while also addressing broader competitiveness challenges.

At the same time, the government faces criticism over mining concessions in the Loreto region. The geological agency INGEMMET has proceeded with a public tender that includes a concession in the Nanay River basin, despite regional ordinances and national decrees that designate the basin as a mining exclusion zone until 2026. Environmental groups warn that illegal dredging and gold‑extraction activities could damage water resources and local communities.