Peru looking to grease the wheels for the mining sector

Bnamericas
Published: Wednesday, April 12, 2023

As Peru’s energy and mines ministry (Minem) readies lithium exploration permits and mine construction licenses, it also needs to start focusing on social aspects in mining regions and professional shortages.

"First, the government has to establish dialogue at the regional level, explain and/or apologize for what happened [during recent protests] and present a report. Only then can a roundtable be set up about a project; otherwise, it will be impossible," Miguel Incháustegui, an independent director of Candente Copper and former energy and mines minister, told BNamericas.

Incháustegui added that the task will not be easy, considering the clashes between authorities and citizens, especially in Puno, a key region for Peru's lithium ambitions.

. . .

Energy and mines minister Óscar Vera (pictured) told local media recently that the government should be open to the needs of miners like Macusani Yellowcake, a subsidiary of Canada’s American Lithium, which owns the Falchani deposit and is the only company that explores for lithium in Peru.

Macusani stopped hydrogeological studies in the region, however, due to social protests and discontent. The company claimed the region hosts 4.7Mt of inferred and indicated lithium carbonate resources.

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https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/peru-looking-to-grease-the-wheels-for-the-mining-sector