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Geoethics and Mining Activity in Peru

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Geoethics in Peru

Abstract

Mining activity in Peru has a long history dating from Pre-Inca times when, some authors argue, sustainable extraction was practised. However, since establishment of the Colony and the Republic, there has been significant environmental damage. Mining activity in Peru has been regulated since July 1992 by Supreme Decree (N° 014–92-EM), although concerns that surround mining continue to grow as the country's economy strengthens. A critical issue for the minerals industry is obtaining permission to commence exploration. This process can take years, and often negotiations between explorers and landowners breakdown are not reached. Other ethical issues involve the development in some Peruvian regions of exploration and mining operations without adequate regulation, which has led to social conflicts.

This chapter summarizes some of these problems and includes a discussion on the application of geoethical concepts towards sustainable mineral production.

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Correspondence to Esteban Manrique Zuñiga .

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Manrique Zuñiga, E., Toledo Gutierrez, C., Villacorta Chambi, S.P. (2022). Geoethics and Mining Activity in Peru. In: Villacorta Chambi, S.P. (eds) Geoethics in Peru. SpringerBriefs in Geoethics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86731-7_4

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