Peruvian Congress Ousts Energy Minister Mucho

Peru's Congress has removed Energy and Mines Minister Romulo Mucho amid escalating protests from small-scale miners demanding a two-year extension of a program that allows temporary operations. The REINFO program, set to expire on December 31, has been criticized for enabling illegal mining, with authorities claiming that miners have abused the scheme. President Dina Boluarte must appoint a new minister within 72 hours, a crucial role in Peru's economy as the country is the world's third-largest copper producer. The congressional vote saw 4 legislators opposing Mucho's removal and 13 abstentions. While the government proposed a six-month period for miners to formalize their activities, many miners argue this is insufficient. This unrest underscores the tensions between artisanal mining practices and regulatory efforts in Peru.