Reflections on strengthening mining competitiveness in Peru based on the Chilean experience
- Expertos analizaron la experiencia chilena en simplificación administrativa y coincidieron en la urgencia de mejorar la predictibilidad y competitividad del sector minero en países como el Perú.
LIMA, Peru – January 27, 2026. Chile’s recently enacted Framework Law on Sectoral Authorizations, designed to streamline various productive sectors including mining, was analyzed as a benchmark for modernizing regulatory frameworks in mining nations such as Peru. This discussion took place during the first “Camino al SIMPOSIO” (Road to SIMPOSIO) event, titled “The Challenge of Simplifying to Grow: The Chilean Case,” organized by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum, and Energy (SNMPE).
The Chilean reform contemplates the progressive modification of multiple regulations and is based on a key principle: effective simplification requires continuity in public policies and sustained institutional commitment. This experience is of particular interest to Peru, where a mining project is subject to nearly 470 regulations, 230 administrative procedures, and the involvement of 29 public entities.
“One of the challenges to accelerating mining projects is the overregulation of procedures that do not necessarily move at the pace currently required for the country’s development. This reduces our competitiveness,” stated Diego Ortega, Chair of the SIMPOSIO – XVI International Mining Meeting, who added that there is a need to develop a mining agenda that allows not only for unblocking projects but also for boosting mining investment within a context of growing global demand for critical metals.
From a technical perspective, Carla Puente, Partner at EY Peru, presented an analysis of mining challenges worldwide, highlighting that regulatory risk involves not only complying with regulations but also having predictability, as changes and delays can generate cost overruns. Puente noted that, as of 2024, this risk is no longer linked solely to moving new projects forward, but also to maintaining existing operations.
Meanwhile, Manuel José Barros, Partner at the law firm Carey (Chile), explained that the new law in his country seeks to standardize, streamline, and increase transparency in obtaining permits, providing greater time certainty for projects. “In recent decades, Chile has been slowing its annual growth, with the difficulty in project development being one of the main causes of this economic and investment slowdown”, Barros noted.
The first “Camino al SIMPOSIO” (Road to the SIMPOSIO) concluded with a reflection session led by Angela Grossheim, Executive Director of the SNMPE, and Gonzalo Quijandría, Chair of the Mining Industry Committee. “To improve regulation and make procedures more efficient without weakening standards, there are three key factors: strengthening technical capacity, reviewing and improving processes, and applying technology”, Quijandría noted. Both agreed that modernizing the regulatory framework is key to leveraging the country’s mining potential, strengthening predictability, and regaining competitiveness, without reducing the environmental and social standards demanded by citizens, but rather reinforcing the guarantees that ensure their compliance.
“Camino al SIMPOSIO” (Road to the SIMPOSIO) is a series of conferences held leading up to the SIMPOSIO – XVI International Mining Meeting, which will take place from May 26 to 28, 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel (Lima). For over 30 years, the SIMPOSIO has served as the premier forum for national and international leaders and experts to address the most critical issues facing the mining industry in Peru, positioning itself as a strategic platform to analyze the global landscape, evaluate growth opportunities, and drive the integration of mining with other essential sectors.
To watch the full webinar, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0IJAKYl86I
