Glencore's Antapaccay copper mine hit by Peru protests

Antapaccay, Glencore's copper mine in Peru’s Cusco region, is operating with 38% of its workforce as a result of blockades and protests against the government of President Dina Boluarte, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The mine employs 2,400 workers directly and indirectly.

According to the release, since January 4 Antapaccay has been operating under very complex conditions.

The mine, together with Las Bambas and Hudbay’s Constancia copper mines, operate on the southern mining corridor. Antapaccay represents around 6% of Peruvian copper production, or 135,987t between January and November 2022, according to the energy and mines ministry, and 8% of total red metal exports, the company said. 

Last week, Antapaccay reported a direct attack on its operations, where vehicles were burned (see photo) and the mining camp area was damaged.

The blockades will affect the economy of Espinar province, the miner said. "The company generates 70% (in canon and royalties) of the municipal budget of the province, delivers up to 3% of its annual pre-tax profits for the development of sustainable projects, and contracts services with more than 100 local companies for a total of 220mn soles [US$57mn] a year," the statement said.

As a result of the conflict, the company said it has suspended the transport of copper concentrates.