About 1,350 workers at two mines operated by Southern Peru Copper, the country’s biggest copper miner, walked off the job for 48 hours in an effort to gain higher wages and an end to out-sourcing.
The strike is supported by workers at the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, but not by those at SPC’s Ilo smelter complex.
Increasing demand for copper, tin and zinc in China and the U.S. led Peruvian mining companies to increase production as metal prices rose, yet wages for workers have remained static.
The mining industry is helping drive Peru’s 4% projected economic growth this year and accounts for about one-quarter of all income tax paid in the country.
Striking miners continue to demand that the government regulate the roughly 60,000 Peruvian mine workers being out-sourced by mining companies. Hiring workers through employment agencies is a common practice among companies operating in Peru as these workers are not entitled to social benefits.
Another demand is a change in legislation to allow workers to retire before turning 65.
The strike is not backed by workers at other major mines, such as Yanacocha, which is owned by Newmont Mining and Peruvian-based Compania de Minas Buenaventura.
Copper-zinc miner Compania Minera Antamina is unaffected, as is Pierina, which is owned by Barrick Gold.
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