Peru: Anti-mining protests to continue in Arequipa September 16 /update 4

Event

Community members opposed to the Tia Maria mining project (Islay province) are continuing their indefinite strike and have scheduled a protest in Arequipa (Arequipa province) for Monday, September 16, to continue the opposition movement. The protest coincide with the 34th Mining Convention taking place in Arequipa, beginning that same day. Though a time and location was not immediately reported, protesters are likely to gather in the city center and in the vicinity of the Convention, taking place at the Verro Juli Convention Center.

A march of sacrifice is to take place in the coming days, where community members will march from Arequipa to Lima. Details are developing. The indefinite strike may continue over the coming several weeks; further protests are therefore likely to continue.

A heightened security presence, along with significant traffic disruptions, are expected in the vicinity of all protest sites.

Context

Residents of Arequipa and Islay provinces and workers nationwide have been holding strikes and demonstrations in protest of the mining project since mid-July, expressing concerns for the mine's environmental impact. The protests have produced notable transportation disruptions, including road blockades.

Advice

Individuals in the Arequipa province, notably in Arequipa, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation and business disruptions.