Piura faces illegal mining oversight challenges due to budget shortages

Illegal mining in Piura is facing significant oversight challenges due to budget constraints and personnel shortages within the Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines. Wilmer Arévalo Nima, dean of the Faculty of Mining Engineering at the Universidad Nacional de Piura, warned that these limitations reduce the ability to intervene in active mining zones.

Arévalo Nima expressed concern regarding the Integral Mining Formalization Registry (Reinfo), noting that many registered operators have failed to complete the formalization process despite the system being in place for nearly a decade. He cautioned that lengthy documentary procedures could allow illegal operators to use the registry to mask illicit activities. Additionally, the unregulated use of explosives in these operations poses a threat to public safety.

While agencies such as OEFA, Osinergmin, and Sunafil perform supervisory duties within their respective competencies, experts suggest that combating illegal mining requires a more robust strategy involving increased participation from the central government and improved coordination across different levels of government.