On the eve of the elections, there are no clear proposals to solve the mining problem.
In a few days, the future of Peru and the country’s mining industry will be decided in a new presidential election. The promises made by the candidates are the same as they were more than two decades ago. This is due to the fact that there have never been a slight hint of solution for the endemic ills that afflict our country.
The speeches include -as always- the fight against corruption, crime control, increased employment, and changes in education. In addition, now we must add health improvements that are urgently needed in the country, as a result of the crisis caused by Covid-19.
However, the economic slowdown and the risk of increasing technological progress, which could mean a critical change in the price of commodities, are fundamental issues for the development of mining and the future of Peru, which are not being addressed with proper technical criteria and sense of urgency.
It is worrying to see how some candidates promote the destruction of any value proposition that could help us sustain ourselves in these times of such economic complexity. Such as in the case of mining, misinforming the population and driving away investment.
Once again, opportunism and demagogy that damage democracy are evident. The difference with years ago lies in the fact that the current instability in every field generates a high economic, social and political risk with totally unpredictable and exponential consequences.
The paralysis of mining projects has become a constant problem and no one is proposing a real mining policy that would allow the development of our sector as a cornerstone for the future growth of Peru. In fact, there are no clear proposals for a solution to the problems that afflict us.
This new election will mean a turning point for our country. As Peru is a country with a recognized mining tradition, it is absurd that currently, there are candidates who are up in the polls and who, far from being concerned about the mining sector, try to destroy it.
Perhaps this is the last chance to emerge from the chaos in which we find ourselves. It is up to each voter to act responsibly, and to the business sector, in full respect for the constitution, to take actions the situation demands. All of this, with the clear awareness of the welfare of the present and the next generations.
– The editorial “Peru’s future lies in mining” was written by:
César Gallardo Vela, President of the Chamber of Mines of Peru.
