By Marco Aquino
LIMA, July 15 (Reuters) – Peru’s President-elect Keiko Fujimori could face new protests in mining areas as her government tries to spearhead large copper and other mining projects that have been delayed for years, according to a study released Wednesday by the Observatory of Mining Conflicts in Peru.
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Peru is the world’s third-largest copper producer. The country has about $64 billion in planned mining investments, many in poor rural regions where local communities say they have seen too few benefits and fear environmental damage.
• The study said most of Peru’s main mining regions voted against Fujimori in the election, raising the risk of tensions if her government pushes projects forward.
• Fujimori, who takes office on July 28, has promised to speed up mining investment, including with a fast-track approval system and tax incentives.
• She has also said 40% of mining revenue should go to local people.
• Peru’s ombudsman has said nearly 200 social conflicts are ongoing, including 64 linked to mining and other environmental disputes.
• Southern Copper’s $1.8 billion Tia Maria copper project, approved to start operating in 2027, could face opposition, according to David Velazco, environmental advocate from local nonprofit Fedepaz.
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• Velazco also said there could be possible conflict around Rio Blanco, a copper project from China’s Zijin.
• Representatives for the firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
• Mining accounts for more than 60% of Peru’s exports.
• Peru’s Observatory of Mining Conflicts is a nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)
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