Socioeconomic and environmental effects of the mining sector in Peru (2007-2022)

During the period 2007-2022, Peru's mining sector experienced significant growth driven by foreign investment. However, this growth was overshadowed by the proliferation of socio-environmental conflicts that severely affected the economy and social fabric of mining regions. These conflicts led to the paralysis of major investment projects worth more than $18 billion, representing around 10% of GDP. Economic simulations revealed that, between 2008 and 2014, the country lost more than $67 billion in economic and tax benefits due to the non-execution of projects. In addition, the trade war between China and the United States and the fall in commodity prices intensified the vulnerability of mining exports, which were already affected by social conflicts. At the social level, it was evident that areas with the highest mining activity maintained high levels of poverty and exclusion, reflecting an unequal distribution of benefits. Regional studies confirmed that indigenous and peasant communities were the most affected, facing environmental pollution, loss of biodiversity and violations of their territorial rights. The results confirmed that socio-environmental conflicts had a negative impact on exports and investment in the mining sector, revealing the urgent need for fairer and more sustainable governance of natural resources.