Peru to Launch Tia Maria Mining Project This Year
Roadblock in Arequipa against the Tia Maria mining project, Feb. 17, 2025. X/ @Pulso_27
March 3, 2025 Hour: 12:37 pm
The population of Arequipa has been opposed to this large-scale mining project for 16 years.
On Feb. 27, Peruvian Minister of Energy and Mines Jorge Montero confirmed that the Tia Maria mining project in the Arequipa region will begin between August and September.
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During his participation in the “Mining Thursday”, an event organized by the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP), the senior official highlighted progress in social and environmental matters related to the project. His statements, however, differ from the opinion of the residents of the Arequipa region.
Since February 17, the inhabitants of the Tambo Valley have been on strike in opposition to the project operated by Southern Peru Copper Corporation, which plans to produce 120,000 tons of copper annually.
They have denounced that large scale mining poses a threat to agriculture, as the use of large volumes of water for mineral extraction could contaminate water sources and leave the region without an adequate water supply.
Despite criticism of this mining project, Montero maintains close communication with Southern Peru Copper Co. and assured that construction will begin on the estimated date if the final pending adjustments are met. Even so, residents continue to demand the definitive cancellation of the project, which has been at the center of social tensions for 16 years.
According to data from the Ombudsman’s Office, between 2011 and 2015, protests against the Tia Maria project resulted in seven deaths—three during clashes with police in Cocachacra and four amid strikes and demonstrations against the mining operation.
Since 2009, residents of the region have been demanding environmental safeguards and a transparent dialogue with authorities.
The “Platform for Those Affected by Mining in Arequipa” is calling for greater oversight of the Tia Maria project and increased citizen participation in decision-making.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: EFE – El Buho