Conflict builds over Peru's Las Bambas mining project

This past Tuesday, families that had been displaced by Peru’s massive Las Bambas copper mining project returned to their original lands, located inside the project, demanding compensation from the mining company. Las Bambas officials denied that anyone was occupying company property and reassured the press that the protest has not affected the company’s operations.  Reuters noted that the economic hopes of all of Peru are riding on the mining project, which is expected to catapult Peru into position as the world’s second-biggest copper exporter.

Obispo Huamani, a representative for the displaced local community, explained to Reuters that Las Bambas has not fulfilled its promises of compensation made to the relocated families. Supposedly, Las Bambas refuses to fully compensate the community until all of the families have relocated, but 15 families have refused to move.

On the same day, Peruvian President Ollanta Humala visited the Las Bambas mining project. Andina New Agency noted that the visit was for technical reasons, but did not provide any additional explanation for the visit.

Looking to the future, Peruvian Finance Minister Alonso Segura spoke with Andina News Agency about the economic conditions that the next presidential administration will inherit. He argued that large infrastructure projects currently underway, such as the Lima Metro Line 2 and the Southern Peruvian Gas Pipeline, will complement the upward trajectory of the country’s mining industry as drivers for the country’s continued economic growth.