MMG Limited (MMG) has advised that on 14 April 2022, members of the Fuerabamba community invaded the Las Bambas mine to protest alleged failures of the company to deliver social commitments. Some members of the Huancuire community, located near Chalcobamba also joined the protest.
Their actions occur during an extended period of unrest in Peru, including protests affecting the mining and resources sector nationwide. Due to ongoing safety concerns, Las Bambas has suspended copper production since 20 April.
MMG have worked closely with the communities, as well as Government representatives, over the last thirteen days to seek constructive dialogue and arrange for the protestors to safely leave the mine. The safety, security and operational threats from the site invasion continue.
From today, as a last resort, and in accordance with Article 920 of the Peruvian Civil Code, Las Bambas security forces, supported by the National Police of Peru, have executed an Extrajudicial Possession Defence seeking that the protestors leave the site.
Following the actions today, the protestors from the Fuerabamba community have left the Las Bambas property. Regrettably, during the action, minor injuries were sustained by a small number of community members, police and private security. All injuries have received medical treatment and MMG expresses its sympathy for those injured. The protestors from the Huancuire community remain at site.
On 27 April the Peruvian Government declared a State of Emergency in the Challhuahuacho and Coyllurqi districts. The State of Emergency commences operation on 28 April.
There are over 900 MMG employees and contractors currently on site and our primary focus remains on ensuring the health, safety and security of our employees, contractors as well as the community members involved. Safely resolving the current site invasion and restoring peaceful dialogue remain the company’s primary aim.
All actions on site will be informed by MMG’s ongoing commitment to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) and all participants in the planned action from the National Police of Peru and the Las Bambas security team have completed refreshed training.
MMG remains committed to pursuing active dialogue with the Government of Peru and the community members to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current issues.