Despite an end to protests, the debate continues over Tía María

Even though the 50-day-long protest over the Tía María copper mining project in southern Peru officially ended last week, the frenzied media coverage of the social conflict has stayed the same. The current 60-day state of uncertainty over the project has given Peruvian politicians and the national press the opportunity to express their opinions on the controversial project.

The outside experts that SEMANAeconómica spoke with argue that sixty days is not enough time to over come the deep tensions and mistrust between the local population, Southern Copper, and the Peruvian state. All of the experts agreed that Southern Copper made a big mistake by setting a time limit on the temporary suspension of the project.

The opposition to Tía María in Arequipa was so fierce that there is no way the sides will be able to come to an agreement in just two months. Many analysts believe that the opposition showed itself to be so strongly opposed to the project that it is unlikely they would accept any outcome other than the complete cancelation of the project.

Peruvian congressman and political party spokesman Josué Gutiérrez went on national Peruvian radio to express his opinions on the 50 days of violent conflict over Tía María. He said, “How we arrived at a belligerent position worries me, there is not even a minimum of good faith so that, democratically, and with justice and reason, we can sit down and discuss the country’s interests.” As for the temporary suspensions, Congressman Gutiérrez added, “What we have asked for is a bet on peace. To bet on bringing a social peace. Nothing justifies this disrespect.” He called for a return to Peruvian president Ollanta Humala’s additional proposal for “responsible mining.”