Vandals Attack Glencore Copper Mine in Peru, Setting Cars Ablaze
Glencore’s Antapaccay copper mine in Peru was targeted by vandals on Thursday 12.01.2023, according to the country’s top mining official. The attack occurred during a political crisis marked by violent protests near major mines in the southern Andes.
Peru, the world’s second-largest copper producer, is currently experiencing the worst civil unrest in recent years.
A tin mine located in the southern Puno region, where some of the most intense anti-government protests have occurred, also announced that it has temporarily suspended its mining operations.
According to a statement from the mine, two company vehicles belonging to Antapaccay were set on fire during the attack and the area around the workers’ housing was also vandalized.
In a press conference, Energy and Mines Minister Oscar Vera announced that 2,000 workers are being evacuated from the site.
The Antapaccay mine is a significant operation in Peru, and has had previous conflicts with the local community.
In September, the mine was affected by blockades by indigenous groups demanding a consultation process for a potential expansion of the mine.
The Antapaccay mine is located in the Cusco region, a popular tourist destination as well as an area where protests against President Dina Boluarte have been taking place. These protests have resulted in 42 deaths since last month.
Boluarte became president after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, attempted to illegally dissolve Congress, was removed from power and arrested. Protesters are demanding his release, Boluarte’s resignation and immediate elections.
In response to the attack, Antapaccay has called on authorities to prioritize dialogue in order to find viable solutions to the current crisis in the country.
Later on Thursday, mining company Minsur announced that it will be temporarily halting operations at its San Rafael mine, which is one of the largest tin mines globally.
Minsur stated that the decision to close its Puno mine was made “in solidarity” with the victims of the recent protest clashes, where 17 civilians were killed in the same region earlier this week.
