New social conflict paralyzes Nexa Resources mining operation in Pasco

Again social conflicts affect mining. This time, Nexa Resources said in a report to the Securities and Markets Authority that production had been paralyzed at the San Gerardo open pit of the Atacoccha mining division in Pasco.

The stop began on August 28 due to a conflict with the San Juan de Milpo community, which allegedly blocked access to the aforementioned mining block. Nonetheless, there has been no material impact on production so far, but they are working with minimal labor input to ensure proper maintenance.

“Mining is limited to critical operations with a minimum workforce to ensure proper maintenance, safety and protection of its employees,” the company said.

Atacocha produces about 0.2 thousand tons. zinc; less than 3% of the total production of this metal by the entire company. While this is not the first time the San Gerardo quarry has been paralyzed, the company said the dialogue with the community is ongoing.

Mining is one of the most important activities in our country. In the first four months of this year alone, it produced 58.6% of national exports and more than 2 million jobs between direct and indirect.

However, social conflicts affected his activities, causing the paralysis of several industries.

Over 200 social conflicts

According to the Ombudsman’s report, As of July this year, there were 208 social conflicts, of which 152 were active. One of them was the case of the community of San Juan, whose problem began in February 2018. The population requires the company to comply with a number of agreements signed due to fears of environmental pollution.

zinc manufacturer

According to mining industry reports, Nexa Resources is one of the world’s major zinc producers with operations in Brazil and Peru., with offices in Luxembourg. Considering that the paralyzed mine accounts for only 3% of total production, this will not affect the production plan for the year in any way.