Fujimori's mining push could spur unrest in Peru, study says
Tweet
Share
E-mail
Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori attends an event to receive her official credentials after winning the presidential runoff following the June 7 election, in Lima, Peru, July 15, 2026. REUTERS/Angela Ponce
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.
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.
• 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)
Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!
You May Also Be Interested In
- Asian shares slump on chipmaker drag, bonds cheer cooler inflation
- New York Times seeks to block subpoenas to reporters over Air Force One reporting
- BOJ may face pressure to ramp up bond-buying if yields spike, ex-central bank policymaker says
Create E-mail Alert Related Categories
ReutersSign up for StreetInsider Free!
Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!
