Groups opposed to private investment, raising arguments without any technical support, intend to affect the start of operations of Quellavecoa mine located in the Moquegua region, whose construction required an investment of more than US$5.5 billion, warned the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE).
“Without technical arguments, they question the water license granted by the National Water Authority (ANA) for the operation of Quellavecowhich is the product of a technical, transparent and public process that began in 2008 and that clearly states that the availability of water for the population and agriculture in the Tambo basin will not be affected”, stressed the SNMPE.
He added that the license was approved after an evaluation by the competent authorities following due process and in accordance with current regulations.
Likewise, the union pointed out that the current government administration should not give in to the pressure of these groups that seek to frustrate the start of production of Quellavecowhich is one of the most modern mines in Latin America, which will contribute an additional 10% to the current national copper production and will have significant economic and social benefits for the south of the country.
“The government cannot change appropriate technical decisions by political pressure. The claims of the Tambo Valley in Arequipa for water are not linked to Quellaveco but to a problem of water stress that dates back many years, and that needs to be addressed comprehensively, ”he indicated.
Look: Patricia Juárez: “We are going to avoid nuisance calls”
It should be noted that on Tuesday, October 4, authorities from the Arequipa region met with the head of Midagri, Patricia Ocampo, and Pedro Castillo’s chief of staff, Alberto Mendieta, precisely to address the problem unleashed as a result of the resolution of the National Water Authority (ANA), which granted the surface water license for the operations of the mining project.
The authorities expressed their disagreement over the granting of water use without consulting the farmers of Tambo or Islay province and it was agreed to give the government one week to decide whether or not to suspend the water permits.
Confidence for investments
The SNMPE He expressed that it is essential that the Government show consistent and clear signals that generate stability and confidence for investments that translate into development opportunities for the population.
In this regard, he recalled that, during the past week, the Government had a very positive message regarding the relevance of mining investments for the present and future of the country. Thus, Prime Minister Aníbal Torres, in his speech at Perumin 35, pointed out that “national and foreign investors have the full assurance that their investments in Peru are safe, that the government guarantees their investments in this country”.
He also expressed his concern about the constant attacks that have been registered against mining projects and operations located in different regions of the country.
“The Government cannot move away from its role as promoter and guarantor of the rule of law, promoting transparency of information and open dialogue between all actors,” he added.
