New wave of conflict threatens to delay Las Bambas expansion works

Peruvian miner Las Bambas, controlled by China's MMG, is facing a new wave of social conflict in Apurímac region due to opposition to the construction of its US$130 million Chalcobamba copper pit, with no clear solution appearing to be in sight in the near term.  

In recent days, local social organizations have reported increased police repression following protests against Las Bambas over claims of pollution of water sources and blasting.

The Huancuire community, which left the area where Chalcobamba is being constructed after signing an agreement with the company, claims that unauthorized work has been carried out near the Pichaqani ravine, and that blasting operations are causing impacts not considered in the approved environmental impact study. It has called a strike in response.

"The specialized environmental office in Abancay has ordered preliminary proceedings against Las Bambas for the alleged crime of environmental pollution," the community said in a statement. "We demand respect for our continued use of the pastures in the Chalcobamba area to feed our animals, as well as access to the bridle paths that cross the project."

CHALCOBAMBA 

With the construction of the Chalcobamba pit, Las Bambas aims to raise production to 350,000-400,000t/y of copper. Total output for 2024 is currently estimated at between 280,000t and 320,000t, according to MMG. 

Although completion of the new pit was initially scheduled for July-August, company executives have recently said that they expect full operations to be underway by the end of 2024.

However, to achieve those forecasts, negotiations were required with community companies to carry out preliminary construction work, but the long-term agreement (the social license) remains pending despite all legal permits having been obtained.

Now, with the strike and allegations of police abuse, further delays are on the cards until both the environmental pollution allegations and protests are addressed. 

"We demand the demobilization of all police forces located within the Las Bambas project, holding them politically accountable for the harm to the lives and safety of the community members," the Huancuire community statement read. 

Local journalist Paolo Benza has reported that the company has an agreement with Peru's national police force to protect its operations.

Eleven people were injured in the latest clashes between community members and police and the Peruvian government has again extended the current state of emergency in Apurímac region to handle the conflict between the mining company and the communities, a strategy that has proven ineffective given the recurring issues.

RESPONSE

When contacted by BNamericas, the company said that the clashes were between police and illegal miners from the Pumamarca community, which is based near the Ferrobamba pit, the main Las Bambas deposit. The company claims that these miners are illegally extracting copper.

"These attacks by illegal miners are a response to the crackdown on illegal mining carried out on May 30 by the PNP [national police] and the public ministry on the Sallahui property, owned by Las Bambas, where explosives and equipment were seized and a 250m tunnel was discovered," the company said. 

The company's operations have not been interrupted so far, but "it is concerned about the escalation of violence threatening their continuity."

Regarding the environmental pollution accusations, Las Bambas stated that it has not received any notification from environmental assessment and oversight agency OEFA. 

"If such a notification is received, Las Bambas is committed to providing timely responses and fully cooperating with authorities to clarify any doubts," the company added.