Southern Copper Reports Injury Amid Attack at Peru Mining Site

An attack by informal miners on Southern Copper’s Los Chancas project in Peru injured 20 individuals. The incident, which involved the camp being set ablaze, underscores the tensions between formal and informal miners amid rising gold and copper prices. Despite the challenges, informal mining remains politically supported due to its role in job creation in impoverished areas.

Recently, an attack involving a group of informal miners at a mining project in southern Peru resulted in injuries to 20 workers and security guards associated with Southern Copper Corp. The incident was confirmed by an official of the company, who noted that the attack occurred at the Los Chancas mining camp. The incident is being investigated by authorities as images circulated on social media depicted the camp engulfed in flames, echoing a similar occurrence in 2022.

Peru’s mining industry, predominantly focused on gold and copper, has seen an increase in informal mining activities attributed to rising prices and newly developed techniques. The government has implemented a temporary registry aimed at aiding the formalization of these informal operations. However, this has led to encroachments on lands traditionally held by larger mining companies.

Despite the challenges posed by informal mining, it enjoys substantial political backing in Peru, owing to the significant employment it generates in economically disadvantaged regions. The situation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding mining operations in the country.

The attack on the Los Chancas mining camp highlights ongoing tensions within Peru’s mining sector, driven by the rise of informal operations. While these informal practices provide necessary employment in poorer areas, they also create conflicts with established companies and reflect broader issues in the industry. The ongoing investigation into the incident is crucial for addressing these pressing concerns.

Original Source: www.mining.com