Peru's FA Min: illegal mining surpasses the harmful effects of drug trafficking sevenfold

12:00 | Lima, Jul. 11.

The government will continue to pursue dialogue with informal miners while upholding the rule of law to unblock roads affected in southern Peru, Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer stated on Friday.

Likewise, the high-ranking official urged protesting miners blocking the roads "to stop doing so."

"We will reestablish the rule of law, we will talk with anyone willing to engage in dialogue, and we will apply the full force of the law to all these leaders (driving the protests), who have already been identified," he told RPP Noticias.

Within the framework of the 10th International Congress of the Spanish Language in Arequipa, Minister Schialer noted that although tourism in the southern city is proceeding normally, these actions affect the supply chain and harm Peru’s image.

"Tourism is proceeding normally, but the roadblocks are indeed hindering the transport of food supplies," he indicated.

The diplomat added that the individuals blocking the roads are being paid S/120 (US$34) per day, which points to illegal financing behind the protests.

According to the ambassador, "the people funding this are seeking to destabilize; they have no regard for the law or peace."

In this regard, he directly pointed to illegal mining, stating that "it surpasses the drug trafficking business sevenfold."

Lastly, Minister Schialer stated that President Dina Boluarte has taken a firm stance, adding that the full force of the law will be applied to those responsible.

"We will engage in dialogue with anyone willing to talk and sanction those who break the law," he concluded.

(END) ETA/CVC/MVB

Published: 7/11/2025