Peru’s National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE) warned on Friday that protests in the country are disrupting the transport of semi-finished copper, supplies and miners, which account for 30% of domestic production.
Over the past three days, groups in Espinar province have blocked roads and seriously affected the continuity of production at the Bambas mines operated by MMG, Hudbay’s Constancia and Glencore’s Antapaccay.
Since 2016, shipments from Las Bambas have been sporadically disrupted due to protests along the route used to transport copper concentrates to the port.
This week, a group of Tambotal residents blocked roads to protest the approval of water rights for Angloamerican’s Quellaveco plant.
Peru’s emergence as a major mineral producer has exacerbated the historically strained relationship between mining and rural communities.
The current protests coincide with an increase in unrest across the country over the cost of living, exacerbating political tensions.
SNMPE asked the authorities to ensure internal order and freedom of movement and to preserve the health and integrity of citizens and workers, all committed to constructive, non-violent and informed dialogue.
