Barrick's Peru Mine Blocked by Residents

Published by MAC on 2013-03-05
Source: Dow Jones, Reuters

Barrick Says Access to Peru Mine Blocked by Residents

Dow Jones Newswires

21 February 2013

LIMA, Peru--Canada's Barrick Gold Corp., the world's largest gold producer by output, said Thursday that a group of about 200 people have set up blockades to its Lagunas Norte mine in northern Peru over demands for jobs and development projects.

A spokesman from Barrick's office in Lima said the mine is continuing to operate as normal. "For the moment, neither production nor other operations have been affected," the spokesman said.

Last year, Barrick temporarily halted operations at its Pierina mine in Peru after one person was killed in a clash between nearby residents and police. The residents had set up blockades to the mine to pressure the company for investments in local water projects.

The spokesman said that residents blocking access to the Lagunas Norte mine want the company to take part in talks on Friday with local government representatives.

Lagunas Norte produced 210,000 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter and is expected to produce 560,000 ounces to 600,000 ounces of gold this year.

The mining sector has been at the center of several violent disputes between rural, Andean communities and police over the past few years, often over environmental issues. Projects being developed by Newmont Mining Corp., Southern Peru Copper Corp. and Candente Copper Corp. have been targeted.

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Barrick to start mediation effort at Peru mine

Reuters

22 February 2013

Barrick Gold Corp said it would participate in a mediation effort on Friday at its Lagunas Norte mine in Peru to try to end protests by residents concerned about water supplies.

About 150 protesters have blocked the road leading to the mine, but so far production and operations have not been affected, an official at the world's top gold miner said. He added that some of the protesters were demanding jobs.

The mediation effort was organized by local officials.

Peruvian President Ollanta Humala has urged mediation to avert hundreds of social conflicts between communities and companies nationwide over royalties, water supplies and other issues.

Lagunas Norte, which opened in 2005, was initially expected to last 10 years. It produced 763,000 ounces of gold in 2011.

Some drilling and technical work has been done on Lagunas Sur, an extension of Lagunas Norte. The company said it was drawing up an environmental impact study for Lagunas Sur.

The area is dotted with high-altitude lakes, and residents said this week they wanted to protect them and to see local water infrastructure improved.

In September, police clashed with protesters at Barrick's other Peruvian mine, Pierina. One person died and at least four were injured.

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Peruvian villagers end protest at Barrick gold mine

Reuters

28 February 2013

LIMA - Peruvian villagers have ended a protest that blocked the road leading to Barrick Gold Corp's Lagunas Norte mine for six days, the company said on Wednesday.

"The end of the protest came as the company and the local leaders agreed on Tuesday to participate in "workshops" to find a solution to demands over jobs, wages and water supplies in the area, the mining company said.

"About 200 villagers had blocked the road though output was never affected, Barrick said. Peru, a major exporter of metals, is the sixth-largest gold producer.

"Peruvian President Ollanta Humala has urged mediation to avert hundreds of social conflicts between communities and companies nationwide over royalties, water supplies and other issues.

"Lagunas Norte, which opened in 2005, was initially expected to last 10 years. It produced 763,000 ounces of gold in 2011.

"Some drilling and technical work has been done on Lagunas Sur, an extension of Lagunas Norte. The company said it was drawing up an environmental impact study for Lagunas Sur.

"The area is dotted with high-altitude lakes, and residents have said they want to protect them and to see local water infrastructure improved.

"In September, police clashed with protesters at Barrick's other Peruvian mine, Pierina. One person died and at least four were injured."