Peru, One dead in Mine protest

The Peruvian police force suppressed a popular uprising in the province of Oyón on Sunday. The evacuation of 300 villagers who were blocking a mining venture in Buenaventura left one person dead and thirteen injured.

According to reports from the National Radio Coordinator, around 600 police units broke down the blockade that the villagers had held over the previous 13 days, in the Uchucchacua section of the mine, which is in the Lima department.

The villagers are calling for the mining company to stick to commitments which it made in 2001 and 2006. They are also calling for the replacement of officials who mistreated villagers from the region.

They are also demanding a review of the areas which were ceded to the Buenaventura firm, complaining that the company has seized communal lands without authorisation or support from the community.

At the same time, the communities want a financial contribution from the company for a water and sewage project.

The protesters said that during the crackdown, one person was shot at close range and that twelve others received bullet wounds.

Uchucchacua is Buenaventura’s main silver mine, producing over nine million ounces of silver last year. This accounts for almost 70% of the company’s total production.

Buenaventura Mining Company expressed their regret over the death of a person in their mine on Sunday. The firm reiterated its willingness to discuss the issues without pressure and under conditions of mutual respect. (PÚLSAR) Read Article