PERU

PERU

CooperAccion warns of future protests against mining

Lima, 19 March, 2007 - La Republica Newspaper

A recent measure that modified environmental regulations for mining exploration companies, has set off a firestorm of criticism from environmental institutions and indigenous community organizations.

They claim the modification makes it easier for mining companies to conduct exploration operations without the participation of outside organizations that protect the interests of those living in the area of potential mining operations.

Jose de Echave, from Peru's CooperAccion organization - one of the protesting institutions, warns that the measure will create conditions that will likely cause more social conflicts like those that frequently erupted during former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo's government.

De Echave indicated that during the past 3 years, mining exploration activities have grown incessantly, while the rights to territories where mining explorations are being conducted have grown by 70%, equivalent to approximately 14 million hectares (34,594,753 acres).

"The ideology in creating extremely favorable conditions to investors without taking adverse and secondary consequences into account, will undoubtedly create more social conflicts," stated de Echave.