Anti-mining groups force Hudbay to keep Peruvian operation suspended – by Cecilia Jamasmie (Mining.com – November 10, 2016)

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Operations at Hudbay Minerals’ (TSX, NYSE:HBM) Constancia copper-molybdenum mine in Peru remained suspended Thursday as a group of locals that has occupied parts of the pit since Monday evening refuse to leave the site.

The trespassing by the crowd of about a thousand, according to local paper La Republica (in Spanish), forced Hudbay to temporarily suspend operations as a safety measure to protect both employees and protesters.

Most of the intruders are from the Chamaca district, about an hour away from the mine, Hudbay said in a statement. It added that their representatives had signed an agreement with the national and local governments, as well as with Hudbay Peru within the previous two weeks, confirming their willingness to work together and cooperate.

Police are on the scene to maintain order, the firm said, adding that efforts continue to resolve the situation peacefully through talks.

One of the protestors’ leaders, Alvaro Castañeda, told La Republica the move came as a reaction to Hudbay Peru violating social agreements signed with Chamaca authorities, including improvements to the local health centre, a project to feed underprivileged children and roads repairs.

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