Peru's VP says local people still have reservations about Conga gold mine
Peru's VP says local people still have reservations about Conga gold mine
Sat Mar 1, 2014 3:59pm EST
(Reuters) - Tensions at Newmont Mining Corp's Conga project have been reduced, Peruvian Vice President Marisol Espinoza told Reuters on Saturday, but local communities still have doubts about the stalled copper gold mine.
Peru has a significant mining industry, but in recent years violent protests have derailed some major projects, including Conga. Last September, Peru's then-mining minister was quoted in the Los Angeles Times saying work on Conga would soon resume, but Newmont said nothing was imminent.
"Communities are still fighting for their demands. There are some reservations," said Espinoza, through an interpreter. "In that regard the government is working really hard to provide basic services, infrastructure services such and water and sanitation."
Many peasants who live near Conga, in the northern region of Cajamarca, fear it would pollute or deplete their water, so improving infrastructure could be key to resolving the conflict.
More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/peru-mining-politics-idUSL1N0LY0F320140301?rpc=401