Residents of Cotabambas have initiated a 48-hour preventive strike against the Las Bambas mining company on June 18 and 19. They are demanding the signing of an economic agreement that ensures direct benefits, accusing the Government of failing to act as a “mediator” to reach a resolution. The mobilization is taking place in five districts of the Cotabambas province and one in Grau, Apurímac, led by the Front for the Defense of the Interests of Cotabambas (Fredipco).
The leader, Bruno Cabrera, highlighted that this issue has been ongoing for years to determine the amount that the mining company should provide to the province. Local leaders emphasize that signing this agreement is crucial to address the most urgent needs of the population, in an area that has seen social conflicts in the past due to mining activities.
According to local radio Titanka, Las Bambas mining company had initially offered to disburse S/ 50 million over a period of five years in response to the demands of the local communities. However, social leaders had proposed S/ 100 million based on a technical report prepared with municipal officials from the five districts of the Grau province.
After initially offering S/ 14 million, which was rejected, the mining company later increased its offer to S/ 21 million, a figure that was also questioned by social leaders. Following prolonged deliberations, the company proposed a final offer of S/ 50 million to be paid over five years.
The negotiations between Las Bambas mining company and the representatives of local communities reflect the ongoing struggle to balance business development interests and social demands in the Apurímac region. The company has committed to distributing S/ 10 million per year among six Cotabambas municipalities and the Progreso municipality, sparking controversy over the annual funds allocation.
The distribution would amount to approximately S/ 1 million 428 thousand annually for each municipality, which local representatives deem insufficient, labeling it as a “mockery.” The company maintains that discussions with the population began before they had generated mining royalties, presenting various proposals aimed at technical assistance programs for local municipalities, budget allocations for public investment, voluntary financial support, and a fund for educational projects through the Works for Taxes mechanism.
Despite their efforts, these proposals were rejected, with the request for an annual fund of S/ 100 million deemed baseless. The company also stated that it had already disbursed over S/ 1.200 billion to the Cotabambas province and its districts in mining royalties to date.
Las Bambas mining company faced a recent road blockade in the Velille district of Chumbivilcas province in Cusco due to financial agreement disagreements with the local community. This blockade began in mid-April when the company failed to reach a consensus on the amount to be provided to residents.
A significant disagreement arose during negotiations, with the company offering S/ 1.27 million annually, while residents considered this amount insufficient, representing only half of what they had requested for the years 2024 and 2025. The lack of agreement led to the road blockade, disrupting mining operations in the region.
The ongoing conflicts highlight the tensions between the mining company and local communities, emphasizing the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions for sustainable development in the region. The Minister Rómulo Mucho has indicated the need for further dialogue to address these issues and reach a resolution that benefits all parties involved.