20 Injured in Violent Attack on Peru Mining Project by Informal Miners

A violent incident at the Los Chancas mining camp in southern Peru resulted in 20 injuries among workers and security personnel due to an attack by informal miners. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar one in 2022, prompting investigations by local authorities. The rise of informal mining poses challenges for large mining operations, despite its political support for job creation in impoverished areas.

On March 17, 2025, an attack on a mining facility in southern Peru led to injuries of 20 workers and security personnel, as reported by Southern Copper Corporation. Informal miners were responsible for the assault on the Los Chancas mining camp, which was seen ablaze in images shared on social media, echoing a similar incident from 2022. The firm is currently drafting an official statement regarding the situation, while local authorities have begun investigations.

Peru is renowned as a significant supplier of gold and copper, which has lured numerous informal miners due to soaring prices and the availability of a temporary registry aimed at aiding their formalization. Unfortunately, the rise of informal mining activities often overlaps with areas owned by larger mining enterprises. Despite this, informal mining enjoys substantial political backing, as it supplies numerous jobs in the nation’s impoverished regions.

The recent attack at the Los Chancas mining camp highlights the ongoing tensions between informal miners and established mining companies in Peru. With rising prices contributing to the proliferation of informal mining, the incident underscores the need for regulatory considerations and safety measures within the sector. The injuries report and the past incidents indicate a crucial need for addressing conflicts that could jeopardize safety and stability in the mining industry.

Original Source: www.mining.com