The blockades and invasions have led the mining company antapaccayof Glencore, to operate on a “restricted basis” and that the transport of its concentrates for export is interrupted.
A source from the company, which is based in Espinar – Cusco, informed the Reuters agency that they have not yet suspended their operations, “but they have been developing in a restricted manner.”
“Due to the road blocks (due to the protests), no type of transport activity is being carried out, this includes the transport of concentrate for export,” he added.
Last week, a group of vandals entered the mining camp facilities and burned two company vehicles and damaged part of the facilities. They also took a car from one of the contractors which they later set on fire.
Later they destroyed a pump that provided drinking water to small communities in the area, affecting more than 600 people.
After this situation, the company announced that it would evacuate the workers and suppliers, among which there were around 2,400 people. However, due to blockages, this action has not yet been able to be performed.
“Local promoters of the protests continue to incite the population and have set themselves the goal of paralyzing the mine,” the source explained to the agency.
In this regard, the former Vice Minister of Mines, Rómulo Mucho, explained to this newspaper that the situation the company is experiencing affects the economy of the area and the region, even though it continues to produce.
“Local businessmen must issue a statement because the stoppage affects suppliers and businessmen who are in the area,” he said.
In the same way, he recalled that a few months ago a group of community members also entered Las Bambas (Apurímac) without consent.
These situations, explained the former official, show that there is “vulnerability” in mining companies and an ease to enter and destroy without there being any consequences in this regard.
LESS PRODUCTION
For his part, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Óscar Vera, acknowledged that as a consequence of the protests that have been observed in different parts of the country, there has been a decrease in mining production.
“We know that there are a lot of blocked roads and actually the production itself has decreased. Many mining centers have restricted their production according to the circumstances in which they are. However, we have faith that this issue can be resolved quickly, ”he assured during the inauguration of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) station for the public in South America, run by Cálidda.
He also pointed out that it is necessary to restore peace and for that they are talking with the authorities of the various regions, who he hopes will serve as intermediaries in these cases to find a solution.
“On the mining issue, the projections we have for this year are of very significant growth. Mineral prices are high and it is convenient to continue producing because that generates employment, generates work, income for the State that translates into well-being for Peruvians. We must not lose that opportunity, ”he said.
