Las Bambas blockades affect Peru copper shipments

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Las Bambas blockades affect Peru copper shipments

The Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) recently expressed its opposition to the blockades on the Southern Runway (Corredor Vial del Sur), which have impeded the transport of copper concentrate and staff to and from the Las Bambas mine by MMG.

Weeks ago, activists launched their protest action in the district of Velille, in the area of Cusco, some 200 kilometers from the mine. agency Andina that the blockaders are being intransigent and thus obstructing the government's mediation efforts to address their needs and restore public order.

According to Minem, on December 27, a committee comprising its own staff, as well as officers from the Peruvian National Police and the Cusco Public Order Attorney visited the blockade site, hoping to start a conversation with the protesters about opening the route. They got a negative response, despite the effort.

Activists from the district of Velille demand that an agreement signed in September between Las Bambas and the district of Velille-Chumbivilcas be checked, which allows the company to fund sustainable development projects for up to 1.25 million soles ($348,000) over the next two years, as well as make spot payments to families affected by the pandemic of covid-19.