MMG’s Las Bambas and Hudbay Minerals’ Constancia mines in Peru face potential production disruptions due to ongoing protests by informal miners. Las Bambas produced over 320,000 tonnes in 2024, while Constancia produced 99,000 tonnes. The protests have blocked a major transit route since June, affecting logistics and expected to cause a 0.2% drop in Peru’s GDP in July.

The protests demand the Peruvian government to extend the deadline for legalizing informal mining operations. Executives from both companies have met with Peru’s cabinet chief to address the situation. Despite the unrest, Peruvian officials are determined to end the REINFO program by year-end, which aimed to formalize informal mining but faced criticism for enabling illegal practices damaging the environment.

A source expressed concern over roadblocks preventing copper-laden trucks from reaching the coast. MMG and Hudbay executives mentioned possible complications if the situation persists. Gold mining operations in Pataz are also suffering. Poderosa’s operations are severely impacted, facing shortages of food and basic supplies. However, Glencore’s Antapaccay copper mine along the transit route has not reported production issues.

Read more at Yahoo Finance.: MMG and Hudbay warn of impact from informal miners’ protests in Peru