El conflicto que enfrenta a la minera Las Bambas con tres comunidades aledañas | Cuarto Poder

Summary

The video script details escalating tensions between the mining company Las Bambas and local communities in Peru's Apurímac region. Residents of Chila demand the company fulfill commitments and pay a new price for their lands. The conflict has paralyzed Las Bambas, a major copper producer, causing significant economic losses. The script explores the complexities of land rights, community agreements, and the impact of mining on local livelihoods, highlighting the need for responsible mining practices and government intervention to resolve disputes.

Takeaways

• 😐 The tension in the region has reached a critical point, with the mining conflict between Las Bambas and three neighboring communities causing significant disruptions.
• 🤝 The conflict began when residents of the Chila community arrived at what was once their land, now part of the Las Bambas mining area, demanding the company fulfill certain commitments and pay a new price for their land.
• 🏭 Las Bambas is a major copper producer in the country, responsible for 1% of Peru's GDP, and the ongoing conflict has led to significant economic losses.
• 💼 The mining company, represented by a representative from DMG, has acknowledged that not all grievances have been addressed, and the community is not allowed to enter their territories until all claims are resolved.
• 🛣️ Access to the Las Bambas mine is complicated, with a long and winding road connecting the nearest city, Cusco, to the mining corridor.
• 🏠 The issue of land ownership is complex, with the mining company having acquired land from the community of Nueva Fuerabamba in exchange for compensation and relocation to new lands.
• 📜 There have been disagreements over the fulfillment of commitments made by Las Bambas to the communities, with some claiming that the company has not met all of its obligations.
• 💼 The mining company claims to have fulfilled 143 of 264 commitments, with 66 currently in progress and 55 to be executed in the coming years.
• 🏞️ The company has made significant investments in the community of Fuerabamba, amounting to 3,400 million soles since 2010, and has provided compensation for resettlement.
• 🗣️ The communities of Chila and Quaker, who have different claims from Fuerabamba, are demanding a new price for the land sold 12 years ago and have resorted to occupying their former lands to exert pressure.
• 🏛️ The government has intervened as a mediator in the conflict, but there are unresolved issues that are the responsibility of the state as well as the mine.

Q & A

What is the main conflict described in the script involving the mining company Las Bambas and the local communities?

The main conflict involves Las Bambas mining company and three neighboring communities. The communities demand that the mining company fulfill certain commitments and pay a new price for their lands, which have been affected by the mining operations.

Why did the community of Chila arrive at what was once their land, now called Nueva Fuerabamba?

The community of Chila arrived at Nueva Fuerabamba to demand that Las Bambas fulfill certain commitments and to negotiate a new price for their lands, which are now part of the mining operations.

What impact has the conflict had on Las Bambas' operations and the country's economy?

The conflict has led to a halt in mining operations, resulting in daily losses of 5.2 million soles in royalties and income tax. Since 2016, Las Bambas has paid over 1500 million soles in royalties, equivalent to the cost of building 36 schools.

What is the significance of the Challhuahuacho community in the context of the conflict?

Challhuahuacho is a small town that is central to the recent social conflict involving Las Bambas. It is the place where over a hundred residents of Nueva Fuerabamba arrived, demanding solutions to their issues, which has led to the occupation of the mining facilities.

What were the terms of the agreement between Las Bambas and the community of Fuerabamba 12 years ago?

The agreement involved the cession of 4,700 hectares of Fuerabamba's territory to Las Bambas in exchange for 4,200 hectares distributed across five properties, including Chila and Echó a Querer. The company also made commitments to the community, such as creating a protected natural area and ensuring the community's needs were met.

What is the current status of the commitments made by Las Bambas to the Fuerabamba community?

Las Bambas claims that out of 264 commitments, 143 have been fulfilled, 66 are in progress, and 55 are scheduled to be executed in the coming years. However, the community feels that some promises are still pending.

What is the community of Chila and Quaker's stance on the situation with Las Bambas?

The communities of Chila and Quaker, who have their own distinct claims from those of Fuerabamba, invaded the mining facilities demanding a new price for their lands, which were sold 12 years ago.

What actions has the government taken to mediate the conflict between Las Bambas and the communities?

The government has intervened as a mediator in the conflict, aiming to resolve the territorial issues and return the communities to their lands while ensuring the mining operations can continue.

What are the economic implications of the halted mining operations for the local communities and the country?

The halt in mining operations has led to significant economic losses, not only for the company but also for the local communities and the country, as royalties and taxes are not being collected.

What is the community's perception of the reasentamiento (resettlement) process carried out by Las Bambas?

Some community members feel that the resettlement process has not been entirely fair or satisfactory, with some claiming that they have not received the promised land or that the new settlement has deficiencies.

How does the script describe the relationship between the mining company and the local communities regarding the mining activities?

The script describes a complex relationship marked by conflict and negotiation. While some community members are against the mining activities due to unfulfilled promises, others are in favor of responsible mining that benefits the community.