Foreign investment in mining has traditionally powered Peru's fast-growing economy. Sources from the private sector and government said the debate over how to apply the new law has pitted the mining and finance ministries against the ministries of culture, environment and social inclusion.
Ivan Lanegra, a deputy minister for culture charged with implementing the law, plans to quit over the changes as soon as this week, two well-placed sources said.
"Merino seems to have won," said a former cabinet chief close to the controversy, adding the changes might worsen the tensions between towns and firms the law aimed to prevent.
"I think this is a big mistake and we will all pay at the end of the day," the source said. "When these communities get angry they are going to attack the mines under their noses."
Humala has reshuffled his cabinet twice since taking office after anti-mining protests turned violent.
Quechua - the language of the Incan empire - is spoken by an estimated 3 million to 5 million people in Peru. The Quechua are the most numerous and widespread of about 50 indigenous groups in Peru.
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