Southern Copper Reports Attack on Peru Mining Project, 20 Injured

Southern Copper Corp

Violence Erupts at Los Chancas Exploration Site

A group of informal miners attacked facilities at Southern Copper Corp.'s Los Chancas exploration project in southern Peru, injuring 20 workers and security guards, a company official confirmed on Monday.

Images circulating on social media showed the mining camp engulfed in flames, reminiscent of a 2022 incident when the site was previously set ablaze. Southern Copper, a New York-listed firm, stated it is preparing an official response. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

Rising Tensions in Peru’s Mining Sector

Peru remains a key global supplier of gold and copper, attracting informal miners due to high prices and evolving extraction techniques. The government has implemented a temporary registry to encourage formalization, but illegal operations continue to expand into territories held by large mining firms.

Despite encroachment concerns, informal mining enjoys substantial political backing, as it provides employment in impoverished regions across the country.