Peru’s Mining Formalization Chief Faces Calls for Removal After Prior Exclusion from registry
Teh appointment of Wilfredo Portilla Barrera as the new director of Mining Formalization within Peru’s Ministry of Energy and mines (MINEM) has ignited a political firestorm, with members of Congress from across the political spectrum demanding his removal.The controversy stems from the fact that Portilla Barrera himself was previously purged from the Comprehensive Registry of Mining Formalization (Reinfo) – the very system he is now tasked with overseeing – for failing to meet minimum requirements.
The outcry underscores growing concerns about the government of José Jerí’s commitment to combating illegal mining and promoting transparency within the sector. Diana Gonzales, vice president of the Parliament’s Energy and Mines Commission (Avanza País), characterized the appointment as a perilous signal that “weakens the institutionality of the State and destroys the credibility of any discourse on” mining formalization. “With what authority will this man now demand that small miners comply with the standard,if he could not comply at the time?” she questioned.
Gonzales further asserted that the Jerí government “must go back” on the appointment, questioning the capacity and authority of Energy and Mines Minister Luis Bravo De la Cruz to lead a “complex” sector.She warned against the state appearing to condone “illegal mining” and insisted that Portilla’s continued presence in office is unacceptable. “Regarding the interpellation, if there is no rectification, it is indeed an issue that I would definitely discuss with my bench,” she stated.
From the Fuerza Popular bench, spokesperson César Revilla labeled the appointment a “mistake” and called for a swift reversal. While the Fuerza Popular bench has yet to formally address the issue, and representatives from Renovación Popular and Alianza para el Progreso were unavailable for comment, the chorus of opposition is growing.
Congresswoman María del Carmen Alva (popular Action) formally expressed her “serious concern” in a letter to President Jerí, reminding him that the Mining Formalization Directorate is responsible for promoting the formalization of small-scale mining while upholding regulatory standards. She warned that Portilla Barrera’s history of exclusion from the system raises questions about transparency and public trust. Alva urged Jerí to “review” and make the appointment process transparent.
Sources close to MINEM indicate that Portilla Barrera’s position is not secure,as Minister Bravo De la Cruz was reportedly unaware of his prior exclusion from Reinfo. The Minister has reportedly requested the Integrity area of his portfolio to review Portilla’s resume,confirming the absence of criminal records but initially failing to identify the expired Reinfo records.
Portilla Barrera,in statements to the Regional Communication Network (RCR),acknowledged his previous exclusion from Reinfo,attributing it to the expiration of his mining concessions after abandoning a small mining venture in 2012. He maintains that he currently holds no mining concessions or registration in Reinfo, and is now focused on academic and agricultural pursuits. He clarified that miners registered with Reinfo are already operating legally,and that illegal mining occurs in prohibited areas like national reserves.
He was excluded from Reinfo in July 2025 through Directorial Resolution No.0004-2025-MINEM/DGFM as part of a broader purge of over 50,000 informal miners. Records show two concessions under his name – Río Seco XXII and Río Seco XXI – located in the district of Santa Rosa de Quives.However, Portilla Barrera also appears in the Special Registry of gold Marketers and Processors (RECPO) through his company, servicios de Ingeniería de Minas Asociados SAC, which he has managed since 1996, despite its current inactive tax status. The company remains enabled for the “purchase/sale and refining of gold.”
Portilla Barrera has previously sought public office, unsuccessfully running for mayor in 2002 and regional councilor in 2022, both times as a candidate for the Somos Perú party, currently in government.
The controversy surrounding Portilla Barrera’s appointment highlights the complex challenges facing Peru in its efforts to formalize the mining sector and combat illegal operations, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
