Peru’s National Society of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy (SNMPE) warned Friday that protests in the country are disrupting the transport of semi-processed copper, supplies, and miners, which account for 30% of local 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 road 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 historically strained relations between mining and rural communities.
The current protests coincide with a rise in unrest across the country over the cost of living, exacerbating political tensions.
The SNMPE urged the authorities to ensure internal order and freedom of movement and safeguard the health and integrity of citizens and workers, all committed to constructive, non-violent, and informed dialogue.