Key facts
- Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori may face protests as her government plans to accelerate mining projects.
- A study by the Observatory of Mining Conflicts in Peru highlights potential tensions, as many mining regions voted against Fujimori.
- Fujimori plans to expedite mining investments through fast-track approvals and tax incentives.
- Peru has approximately $64 billion in planned mining investments, with many projects in rural areas facing local opposition due to environmental concerns and lack of benefits.
- Ongoing social conflicts in Peru number nearly 200, with 64 related to mining and environmental disputes.
Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori could face increased social unrest in mining regions as her administration aims to fast-track large copper and other mining projects, according to a study released by the Observatory of Mining Conflicts in Peru. The country, the world's third-largest copper producer, has approximately $64 billion in planned mining investments, many situated in rural areas where local communities have expressed concerns over environmental damage and a lack of benefits.
The study highlighted that a majority of Peru's main mining regions voted against Fujimori in the recent election, suggesting a potential for heightened tensions if her government proceeds with project acceleration. Fujimori, set to take office on July 28, has committed to speeding up mining investments through measures such as a fast-track approval system and tax incentives. She has also proposed that 40% of mining revenue should be allocated to local communities.
Peru's ombudsman has reported nearly 200 ongoing social conflicts, with 64 of them directly related to mining and other environmental disputes. Specific projects like Southern Copper's $1.8 billion Tia Maria copper project, slated to begin operations in 2027, could encounter opposition, according to environmental advocate David Velazco. Similarly, the Rio Blanco copper project, developed by China's Zijin, may also face potential conflict. Mining constitutes over 60% of Peru's exports.