Months-long Protests in Peru Impact Mining, Energy Operations

Researched by Amir Richani for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Unrest across Peru is impacting mining operations and damaging energy infrastructure. Protesters are demanding the resignation of the new president and new general elections.

Protests began December 7, when former President Pedro Castillo was arrested. They have been especially intense in Peru's southern provinces, where several mining sites are located.

On January 19 and 20, Compania Minera Antapaccay S.A., a subsidiary of Glencore plc (Baar, Switzerland), released two statements condemning attacks on its infrastructure and operations. The subsidiary operates the Antapaccay copper mine.

On January 19, the company said that a group of protesters attacked its infrastructure, which could put its operations and its employees at risk. Additionally, Antapaccay said it was operating with only 38% of its personnel, as road blockades and protests prevented the company from delivering supplies and transporting workers efficiently.

The following day, Antapaccay reported a group of protesters entered its mine, demanding a company statement asking for the Peruvian president's resignation and a halt to operations at the site. The protesters also vandalized the infrastructure. No further statements on the situation have been released since January 20.

Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Plant Database can read a detailed profile of the Antapaccay mine.

This incident at Antapaccay is not restricted; instead, it sheds light on the impact that the protests are having on infrastructure across the country. Earlier this month, Erick Ramos, secretary general of the union of mining workers at the Las Bambas mine, told TVPeru that the unrest and road blockades have disrupted the delivery of supplies and transportation of workers at Las Bambas.

Protesters maintain control of many roads and critical transportation networks across the country.

Meanwhile, PetroPeru, the national oil company, has reported through January several attacks on the Oleoducto Norperuano (ONP), the 1,106-kilometer (687 miles) pipeline that transports oil from the northern states to the Pacific coast. The latest attack occurred on January 18 when protesters cut the pipeline, leading to an oil spill. The company said it has been unable to clean up the spill due to the protests.

Since the start of this year, the protests have intensified, with several areas declaring a state of emergency, including Lima. Protesters are demanding the resignation of new President Dina Bolouarte, who took over after Castillo was detained in December, and early general elections following the latest political turmoil.

Until now, dozens have died in the unrest, and hundreds have been wounded and arrested.

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