A group of informal miners assaulted Southern Copper’s Los Chancas project in Peru, injuring 20 workers and security guards. The camp was set on fire, and authorities are currently investigating the incident. Informal mining in Peru is prevalent due to high metal prices and provides significant employment in impoverished areas, leading to political support despite disputes over land ownership.
Southern Copper Corp. reported that 20 individuals, including workers and security personnel, sustained injuries during an attack on its exploration site in southern Peru by a group of informal miners. The incident involved the Los Chancas mining camp, which was set ablaze, echoing a previous incident from 2022. The company is preparing a formal statement while local authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Peru ranks as a significant supplier of gold and copper, which have attracted numerous informal mining operations due to their high market prices and the implementation of a temporary registry aimed at assisting formalization efforts. However, such artisanal activities often infringe upon land held by larger mining entities. Despite these conflicts, informal mining enjoys substantial political backing in Peru, largely due to its capacity to generate employment in economically disadvantaged regions.
In summary, the attack on Southern Copper’s Los Chancas mining camp reflects ongoing tensions between informal miners and large mining corporations in Peru. The injury of 20 workers highlights the volatile situation in an industry heavily influenced by market demand and informal operations. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for both the mining sector and local communities remain to be seen.
Original Source: www.mining.com
