According to Sierra Metals, a group of residents from the Peruvian town of Alis blocked access to the company's flagship copper mine, Yauricocha. Production at the copper mine has been halted for more than a week.
The company did not specify why community members blocked access to the mine, but speculation may have been related to the death of three miners by a mudslide on September 12.
Sierra Metals said mine production is still stopping and activities are limited to critical operations to ensure proper safety and maintenance. It also noted that production and financial guidance for 2022 have also been suspended due to uncertainty over how long it will take to resolve the dispute, and the possible delay in Yauricocha's gradual restart of production. Company representatives have participated in the dialogue with the members of the organization and are studying the request of the Peruvian government organization.
Sierra Metals also said the company remains committed to the social development of the local community and is committed to a "peaceful and expeditious resolution" of the situation. In a statement, he said: "Since the road blockade is a matter of public concern, the company has asked the local government to mediate and assist in resolving this matter."
Yauricocha is an underground mine located in the province of Yauyos in central western Peru with an average elevation of 4600 meters. Last year produced 31.8 million pounds of copper and 79.3 million pounds of zinc.
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