Protesters Burn Down Gold Mining Camp In Peru

A gold mine camp was destroyed on Friday during a protest against mining activity in southern Peru, local media reported.

Anti-mining protesters invaded the camp of Apumayo mine, located in the Andean area of Ayacucho, and burned the administrative offices, some vehicles and part of the site's infrastructure, said Guillermo Shinno, general manager of the mine.

The protesters have accused the company of environmental damage.

According to the Peruvian Mines Ministry, a small group entered the camp and took explosive material, and on Friday (10/29), they burned the facilities.

The Ombudsman's Office said that ten people were reported injured in the protest and urged the environmental watchdog to monitor water quality in the area to "identify the presumed contamination."

This conflict is in addition to others against mining deposits that have been reactivated since leftist Pedro Castillo took office in July, after winning the elections with overwhelming support from residents near the mining areas who demand benefits from exploiting the resources.

Peru is the world's second-largest producer of copper, silver, and zinc and sixth of gold.