Peru Faced With Lawsuit Over Illegal Gold Mining and Mercury Trafficking
A lawsuit has been filed against Peru by a coalition of Indigenous and rural communities, alleging illegal gold mining and mercury trafficking. The Andean Community has ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, ordering Peru to take urgent action. The case could set a precedent for other countries facing similar issues.
Illegal gold mining, driven by high global demand and prices expected to reach $4,000 per ounce by 2026, has spread across the Amazon. Peru has launched occasional crackdowns, but enforcement remains weak and corrupt networks allow the trade to flourish. Mercury, widely used in mining, contaminates waterways and poses health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. Hair samples from the Nanay River basin show mercury levels far above WHO safety limits.
The Andean Community has given Peru 20 working days to comply with its ruling. Peru must report its actions or plans to curb illegal mining and mercury trafficking. Failure to comply could result in the case being referred to the Andean Community's Tribunal of Justice, which can impose binding trade sanctions.
Peru has been ordered to urgently reform its laws, seize mining equipment, and end extensions for informal miners. The Andean Community's decision could set a precedent, leading to rulings against other countries with similar issues. Peru has 20 working days to comply, with potential trade sanctions looming if it fails to do so.
