A group of informal miners attacked Southern Copper’s Los Chancas project in Peru, injuring 20 workers. The camp was set ablaze, resembling a previous incident from 2022. Authorities are currently investigating the attack, which underscores the ongoing tensions between informal miners and major mining companies in the region.
An attack at an exploration project in southern Peru has left 20 workers and security guards injured, according to Southern Copper Corporation. The incident involved a group of informal miners targeting the facilities. Images shared on social media depict the Los Chancas mining camp engulfed in flames, echoing a similar occurrence from 2022. The corporation has indicated that it will soon issue an official statement, while local authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Peru is a prominent supplier of gold and copper, attracting numerous informal miners due to soaring prices and the availability of new mining techniques. Additionally, a temporary registry aimed at assisting the formalization of these miners has contributed to the influx. However, minor mining activities have begun to infringe upon lands owned by larger mining companies. Despite these tensions, informal mining enjoys substantial political backing in Peru, owing to its significant role in job creation in impoverished regions of the country.
In summary, the attack on the Los Chancas mining camp illustrates the ongoing tensions between informal miners and established mining operations in Peru. The injuries sustained highlight the risks associated with informal mining activities, which are rising due to favorable market conditions. This incident reflects the larger socio-economic dynamics at play in Peru’s mining sector, where informal mining provides employment yet challenges formal operations.
Original Source: www.mining.com
