Lima — Unionised workers at mines in Peru, the world’s second-biggest copper producer, started an indefinite, nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest the government’s proposed labour reforms, the head of a federation of mining unions said on Wednesday. Workers at 56 mining unions in the Andean country, including the country’s top copper mines, are taking part in the strike, said Ricardo Juarez, the head of the National Federation of Mining, Metallurgical and Steel Workers of Peru. Juarez said the stoppage will likely curb copper production at some of the country’s largest mines, including BHP Billiton and Glencore’s Antamina, Freeport-McMoRan’s Cerro Verde, MMG’s Las Bambas, and Southern Copper’s Cuajone and Toquepala deposits. However, a spokesman for Peru’s main mining association, the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy, said mining companies have contingency plans in place that should prevent any major impacts on production.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.