Social conflicts up by 150 percent since 2008

Social conflicts in Peru have shot up from 93 in March 2008 to 238 this past month, reported daily El Comercio on Tuesday. Of the 238 social conflicts tracked last month, more than half were related to environmental concerns. To tackle some of the ongoing conflicts, the state-sponsored Ombudsman’s Office – in charge of protecting [...]

Environmentalist priest appeals to premier and health minister for “just and humanitarian” solutions to Choropampa’s health crisis

Environmental activist Father Marco Arana wrote an open letter to Peruvian Premier Yehude Simon and Health Minister Oscar Ugarte, demanding “just and humanitarian” solutions for Choropampa, a small town in the Cajamarca highlands still feeling the effects of a mercury spill that occurred eight years ago. “I am writing this letter in solidarity with the [...]

Oil spill affects community in northern Peru

An oil spill in a northern Peruvian quarry has reportedly contaminated more than 10,000 square meters affecting a nearby community and its fresh water supply. According to CNR radio, the oil spill occurred Wednesday morning in the China Linda quarry, which is part of the Yanacocha mine owned by Colorado-based Newmont. The former lieutenant governor [...]