On July 12, members of the Peruvian community of Chilcaymarca began blocking an access road leading to the Orcopampa gold mine, owned and operated by Cia. de Minas Buenaventura SA. The company acknowledged on July 14 that production continues to be negatively affected by the blockade. It said only that the community had “decided to reject an agreement” with the company, but did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, a new strike began at Shougang Hierro Peru on July 14, primarily over wage disputes. Miners across the country have struck in recent weeks, and wide sections of the population have protested and blockaded roads to protest the government’s free trade policies and unequal distribution of wealth, particularly mining wealth. Although Peru has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, it continues to have a 40 percent poverty rate.

Another strike is scheduled to begin this week at the Cerro Verde copper pit mine, partially owned by Buenaventura.