2573 Pierina (1998), exploration increased significantly, commodity prices declined (1998-2002) followed by another surge (2002-2011). The abrupt end of the Fujimori years meant not only the collapse of an authoritarian regime; it also brought about a power vacuum that was not to be fully filled in coming years. Free from the iron grip that kept them at bay for quite a long time, social forces regrouped and strived to find a place under the new circumstances. After a brief care-taking transition government, the following presidents took office: Alejandro Toledo, Alan García (second term), Ollanta Humala, Pedro Pablo Kuczinsky. During the 20002019 period, the country enjoyed extraordinary GDP grow rates, and poverty alleviation rates, largely uninterrupted until the arrival of COVID-19 (2020). Public policies focus shifted toward filling development gaps in poverty-stricken populations, addressing the social inequalities, while building on the economic progress Peru recently enjoyed. However, sound macroeconomic figures and international reserves do not equate to development. Deep down the social tissue, dissatisfaction boiled, triumphant announcements of the amount of money transferred to regional and local governments fell on deaf ears, in as much as, all that money did not change anything. It neither translated into any tangible form of progress, nor did it raise the living standards, in particular for those living close-by mining projects and operations. The antimining gospel, zealously preached by unionised school teachers since the turn of the century, meant that all over the country antimining feelings are harboured from quite a young age, both in the countryside and in the cities. Half-truths, inaccurate facts and out of context quotes are being presented as articles of faith, the modern version of the David and Goliath story, re-enacted every time a mining investment initiative is known or announced. Mining, once widely believed to be a synonym of progress became --for many-- the epitome of pollution and careless business conduct. The limited presence and capacities of all government levels, in particular in the remote areas where mining activities take place, plus the believe that authorities will always side with private interest against those of ordinary people gained ground, leading to mobilisations and protests under the banner of a newlyminted term: extractivism, an updated interpretation of the old commodity-based export-growth model. A number of narratives about the use, and abuse, of ancestral territories, as well as calls for improved mining governance arose. This, in turned, sparked the transition to a new set of ideas about how mining should be conducted. But transitions are complex, multidimensional processes, requiring the participation of a vast array of social actors, with the purpose to bring about significant changes in the practices, structure and shared culture of social systems, leading to a more balanced, territorial view. The motivation driving all those who are up against mining activities is never the same, some genuinely fear the world they know will never be the same again, others are acquainted with stories of mining causing pollution and disease. But there are also those who are politically-driven or pursue not an altruistic, but a rather personal, profit-seeking agenda. With its reputation tarnished, the mining industry strived to raise its standards and improve its ways and means. International certifications were not enough, best international practices had to be pursued. Accordingly, the mining approach to social issues underwent an evolution: philanthropy, community relations, social responsibility, social development, social management… but beyond labels, there is a set of common but differentiated responsibilities, which in turn mean a certain division of labour; after all, mining is only a variable in the equation of sustainable development. But all that may never be enough for hard-core opponents. Although some projects did not go through due to social issues: Tambogrande (2003), Cerro Quilish (2004), Conga (2011), other projects began production since the turn of the century: Lagunas Norte (2005), Cerro Corona (2008), Tantahuatay (2011), La Zanja (2012), Antapaccay (2012), Toromocho (2013), Constancia (2014), Las Bambas (2015), Mina Justa (2021), Quellaveco (2022). Existing operations, like Cerro Verde and Antamina, underwent significant expansions. This resurgence of mining activities is
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