Copper, Gold and Mining Conflicts

How Peru became the world's second or third largest copper producer, big mines like Las Bambas, and conflicts with local communities over water and land.

Mining is central to Peru’s economy.

Scale

Peru is one of the world’s largest copper producers, and a major producer of gold, silver and zinc.

Big mines

Antamina.
Las Bambas, Chinese-owned by MMG.
Cerro Verde.

China

China is Peru’s largest mineral buyer.

Conflicts

Communities protest over water, pollution and land.
Road blockades at Las Bambas halted production at times.
Conga gold project was suspended in 2011 after protests.

Informal mining

Illegal gold mining in the Amazon, like in Madre de Dios, destroys forests.

The road blockade

Villagers block a road used by Las Bambas trucks, demanding compensation for dust and noise.

Thinking mining always benefits locals

Conflicts arise over water and land.

Key takeaways

Peru is a top copper producer.
China is its largest buyer.
Communities protest mines.
Illegal gold mining harms the Amazon.