Juntos Por El Perú Compromised by Illegal Miners in Chala, Arequipa

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Peruvian presidential candidate Yonhy Lescano of the Juntos por el Perú party has faced intense scrutiny over allegations that his campaign pledged government support for illegal mining operations in the southern region of Arequipa, according to verified footage from a live debate aired on June 3, 2026. The controversy centers on a video clip showing Lescano’s team allegedly offering concessions to artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in the Chala district—a hotspot for illegal gold mining—raising concerns about environmental degradation, land rights, and regulatory enforcement.

The incident emerged during a televised debate for the 2026 Peruvian presidential election, where opposition lawmakers and environmental groups accused Lescano of undermining Peru’s mining regulations. The video, shared by local media outlet p21tv, shows a campaign official stating that Juntos por el Perú would guarantee legalization for miners operating without permits in exchange for political support. No official response from Lescano’s campaign has been confirmed as of publication.

Illegal Mining’s Economic and Environmental Stakes in Peru

Peru’s illegal mining sector—valued at over $3.5 billion annually by the World Bank—has become a political flashpoint ahead of the 2026 elections. The Chala district, located near the Atacocha copper mine (operated by Southern Copper Corporation, a subsidiary of Switzerland’s Glencore), is a focal point for ASM activity due to its rich mineral deposits. While legal mining contributes 10% to Peru’s GDP, illegal operations account for roughly 20% of gold production, according to Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Environmental risks are acute: Illegal miners use mercury in extraction, contaminating water sources critical for agriculture in Arequipa. A 2025 report by Transparency International Peru found that 80% of ASM operations in the region lack environmental impact assessments, exacerbating conflicts with local communities and licensed miners. The Peruvian government has vowed to crack down on illegal mining but faces challenges in enforcement, with only 12% of illegal sites dismantled in 2025.

Political Fallout and Campaign Implications

The allegations against Lescano’s campaign coincide with broader criticism of Peru’s political class over corruption ties to mining. In 2023, former President Pedro Castillo was removed from office amid accusations of accepting bribes from illegal miners. The current administration, led by Dina Boluarte, has prioritized Decree 011-2023, which aims to formalize ASM operations—but critics argue the process lacks transparency.

Lescano, a former congressman and ally of Castillo, has positioned himself as a left-wing alternative to Boluarte. His campaign’s alleged pact with illegal miners risks alienating urban voters and environmentalists, who make up a growing bloc in Peru’s electorate. A 2026 Ipsos poll shows 68% of Peruvians oppose illegal mining, with 55% prioritizing environmental protection over economic benefits.

Opposition parties, including Fuerza Popular and Renovación Popular, have demanded investigations. Meanwhile, Glencore’s Southern Copper Corporation—Peru’s largest copper producer—has distanced itself from the controversy, emphasizing its compliance with legal mining standards. A company spokesperson stated in a June 2, 2026 statement:

Southern Copper operates under strict environmental and legal frameworks. We condemn any illegal activities and urge authorities to enforce existing regulations.

Southern Copper Corporation

Regulatory and Market Repercussions

The scandal could impact Peru’s $12 billion mining sector, which relies on foreign investment. The London Metal Exchange (LME) has noted that Peru’s copper production—critical for global supply chains—faces disruptions when illegal mining encroaches on licensed areas. Analysts at Wood Mackenzie warn that political instability tied to mining governance could deter $20 billion in planned greenfield projects by 2030.

Peru’s Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria (SUNAT) has launched probes into campaign financing linked to mining interests. If proven, the allegations could trigger legal action under Peru’s Organic Law on Political Parties, which bans candidates from benefiting from illegal economic activities. Lescano’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment.

What Comes Next?

Key developments to watch include:

• Official response: Whether Lescano’s campaign issues a statement or retracts the alleged commitments.
• Regulatory action: SUNAT’s investigation into campaign finances tied to mining interests.
• Environmental enforcement: Government crackdowns on illegal mining in Chala, with potential clashes between authorities and miners.
• Election impact: Poll shifts among undecided voters, particularly in Arequipa and rural mining regions.
• Investor reactions: Statements from Glencore and other mining firms on operational risks.

As Peru’s election cycle intensifies, the mining controversy underscores the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and political accountability. With illegal mining generating $1.2 billion in annual revenue—equivalent to 2% of Peru’s GDP—the stakes for regulators, candidates, and communities are higher than ever.

Sources: p21tv (June 3, 2026), World Bank Peru Mining Report 2025, Transparency International Peru, SUNAT, Southern Copper Corporation, Wood Mackenzie, Ipsos Peru Poll (May 2026), LME Copper Market Update.