Peru PM sparks controversy with mining sector by ruling out timeline extensions

FILE PHOTO: President Pedro Castillo of Peru shakes hands with Mirtha Vasquez after her swearing-in as the country's new prime minister, in Lima, Peru, October 6, 2021. Peru Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez sparked a controversy with the key mining sector on Friday night, saying a group of four mines in the Andean Ayacucho region would not be allowed any extensions on their operational timelines.

"This is an arbitrary measure that ignores the rule of law and its principles," said Oscar Caipo, the president of Confiep, which groups Peru's largest corporations.