The mayor of the Morococha district (Yauli), Roberto Cornelio, warned that there is still no specific framework agreement with the mining company Chinalco, despite the fact that 13 years have passed since the negotiation began. He pointed out that this agreement is key because it contains commitments in the areas of education, health, environment and work.
“As long as the agreement is not signed, compliance cannot be demanded”he stated. The mayor stressed that the lack of progress has directly harmed the population and assured that his management is “at closing doors” the agreement and that it is urgent to update it, since the reality is different now.
Flores explained that the main gap in the district is access to employment, because mining requires highly qualified labor. “A young man who has recently graduated cannot enter because he must have at least five years of experience”he pointed out.
Given the scarce mining opportunity, more and more families began to dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock. “Today around 10% of the population lives off livestock, and we are betting on productive projects”he added. Regarding the use of resources left by mining activity, Flores explained that Chinalco deposits between 20 and 40 million soles a year, funds that are allocated to tourism, crafts and agricultural works. “Morococha is rising from the dust and rubble”he emphasized.
