20% of copper production is not exported due to the blockade of a section of the mining corridor

For a month, the southern mining corridor has been blocked by the communities of Cusco. This road, which starts from Apurímac and ends at the coast of Arequipa, is used by three mining companies to transport copper to the port of Matarani and export it to Asia. It represents almost 20% of the national production.

The corridor runs through 37 Quechua peasant communities located between Apurímac, Cusco and Arequipa. With the beginning of the operations of Las Bambas, the conflicts increased. The community members complain about the contamination of the dust emitted by the encapsulated mineral transporters, claim for land and demand compensation from the three companies: MMG Las Bambas, Antapaccay and Hudbay.

In the 2021 elections, these jurisdictions were the electoral strongholds of Pedro Castillo. The vacancy of the Chotano teacher radicalized the protest not only with blockades in the sections of Chumbivilcas and Espinar, there were attacks against the Antapaccay camp and burning of Hudbay vehicles. In recent days, the intensity of the blockades decreased due to the trip of leaders to Lima for the marches against the Government. However, until the closing of this edition, the section of Condoroma, in the province of Espinar, was taken by 25 people. This point is key, there the encapsulations of the three mining operations come together.

The seizure of the road has caused discrepancies between the residents of Condoroma and leaders of Espinar. The former denounce that the closure harms them, the stores are out of stock, they cannot travel or use their vehicles. In addition, they denounce inhumane treatment against carriers. Stranded endure sub-zero temperatures and snowfall; some risk accidents by resorting to alternative routes.

everyone loses

Since the attack on their camp, Antapaccay operates at 40% and Las Bambas produces at a reduced rate. However, they cannot sell the mineral.

The president of Perumin, edition 36, Miguel Cardozo, maintains that the suspension of copper exports harms the country, but above all the producing regions. Apurímac stops receiving daily S/5 million and Cusco more than S/2 million. He estimates that for every S / 100 of sale and profit, at least S / 42 go to the box of the national and subnational governments. “80% of profits are reinvested in Peru, it is a big lie that mining does not pay taxes and does not contribute to the country,” he said. Although the businessman acknowledged that these contributions do not reach the areas of influence. There is inefficiency and corruption in the State, he concludes.

Those who suffer the most from uncertainty are workers and their families. The companies resolved to advance vacations to payroll personnel, those hired were not renewed and if the blockades continue they will resort to the perfect suspension. Erick Ramos is a leader of the workers of Las Bambas. He explains that the company works with 8,500 and, since February 1, it has dispensed with 6,000 employees.

Carlos Calderón, leader of Antapaccay, maintains that they also live in fear of unemployment. Much of that labor comes from various cities in the South. Complains about blockages. If before it took six hours to get to the mining center, now it takes twice as long.

There would be an unlock similar to Ica

Despite the claim of the mining unions and affected companies, the national government has not intervened to free the corridor. Sources from the Ministry of the Interior maintain that the solution must be comprehensive, with the support of the Armed Forces.

Cusco police chief Javier Vela has a plan, but still lacks the green light to proceed. The goal is to make a sustainable unlock, similar to the one in Ica. There was support from the civilian population, a scenario that is not similar in the provinces of Cusco.

Data

Control. The PNP reveals that this section was captured by Espinar organizations. They take turns between unions to obstruct it.

Claim. Cardozo believes that blocking a road has become common and the State does nothing.