On Thursday Peru’s government said it would implement new strategies against illegal mining across the country.

Justice Minister Juan Jimenez Mayor said authorities would begin to control the Ramis and Suchis rivers, located in Puno.

According to Andina. Mayor said the country’s Public Ministry and National Police now had the power to seize property used in illegal mining activities, as well as the power to destroy any infrastructure if it is affecting the environment.

The new strategy, he said, would allow for the rescue of those who work in abusive and sweatshop-like conditions.

"It is a measure dictated by the government and which begins a new strategy to combat illegal mining in the country, let's start in Puno and then throughout the country," he said at a news conference.

According to Andina, the decree was passed as part of legislative powers granted to the executive by Congress, to govern the fight against illegal mining.

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