The mining company MMG Las Bambas announced in a statement that it will close production at its copper mine, located in Challahuahuacho (Apurímac) starting this Saturday. The reason, he points out, is the blockade of the communities in the province of Chumbivilcas (Cusco) that has persisted since November 19.
“Due to the continuous restrictions on inbound and outbound logistics, Las Bambas will not be able to continue copper production from December 18, 2021″ Says the statement.
The mining company also regrets that the dialogue has not prospered so far. He invoked the unblocking of the mining route to continue talking.
Yesterday, from the mining project some workers reported that the crushing circuit had stopped and one of the company’s mineral conveyor belts. This is in the midst of marches by workers anxious about losing their jobs and entrepreneurs from Challhuahuacho who could bankrupt their businesses.
Answer
The president of the Chumbivilcas Defense Front, Wilber Fuentes, He argued that the eventual stoppage of Las Bambas would not harm the striking communities in any way. “It does not leave us benefits. It passes through our communal lands with environmental impact and does not contribute. If it stops operating, how would it harm us? ”He said.
Assured that the province is not anti-mining. “In our province there are other mining companies. Responsible mining is welcome, ”he said.
The Chumbivilcanos’ claim was supported by the communities of the Challhuahuacho district. Through a pronouncement they described the announcement of the closure of Las Bambas as “blackmail”. In addition, they were against the requests of the regional governor of their region, Baltazar Lantarón and the mayor of Cotabambas, Rildo Guillén, for the declaration of a state of emergency in the mining corridor. Víctor Limaypuma, president of the Cotabambas Defense Front, also shares that position. “That the conflict be solved with dialogue. We are not in favor of what our governor said, nor do we believe in the closure of Las Bambas, ”he said.
The statement also mentions the Las Bambas workers union. “The commitment was to provide employment opportunities for professionals, technicians and workers of Apurímac as a priority, but this is not fulfilled, 95% of Las Bambas workers are foreigners”, They indicate.
.
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
