The Peruvian Las Bambas copper mine, operated by the Chinese-owned mining company MMG (Minerals and Metals Group) suspended all operations starting April 20 due to protests by locals at the mine site, as reported by the AFP news agency.
“Due to security concerns, Las Bambas will not be able to continue copper production as of April 20,” said MMG, headquartered in Australia.
According to the company, the measure was taken after 130 residents of the Fuerabamba community in the Chalhuahuacho district, in the Apurímac region, illegally entered the mining company on April 14 as part of their protests.
The residents claimed the mining company failed to invest in social projects.
“The company rejects Fuerabamba’s arguments, and is extremely frustrated with the forceful actions carried out by the aforementioned community, which has not responded to requests made by government agencies and Minera Las Bambas to transparently review the status of compliance with social commitments,” the company said.
