ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS
On March 13, 2022, Southern Peru Copper Corporation ("SPCC" or the "Branch"),
the Peruvian branch of Southern Copper Corporation ("SCC" or the "Company"),
announced that a group from the rural community of Tumilaca, Pocata, Coscore and
Tala, in the Moquegua region illegally occupied its Viña Blanca reservoir for
second time, closing the water supply to the Cuajone mine and threating the
well-being of an estimated of 5,000 residents of the mine's townsite (including
women, children and the elderly) and paralyzing copper production.
SPCC reported the group has been using violent tactics to disrupt the Cuajone
mine operations since February 10, 2022, when they forcefully blocked its
railroad at the R2 tunnel and on February 28, 2022, proceeded to illegally
occupy the Viña Blanca reservoir to close the water supply to the Cuajone mine
and its townsite. Despite a temporary restoration of water flow to the hospital
and townsite coordinated with the assistance of the Peruvian police, the group
has illegally retaken the reservoir and cut off the water supply from the many
Peruvian citizens residing in Cuajone.
The group alleges usurpation of their land by SPCC. The Branch categorically
denies such allegations and indicated that the Cuajone mine has been operating
in the area for over 45 years, after it was legally granted mining concessions,
surface and easement rights by the Peruvian State in 1951. SPCC indicated that
intransigence of the group's leaders has prevented a peaceful resolution,
resulting in losses to the Company, the Peruvian state and the Moquegua region.
The Branch appealed to the Peruvian Government and National Police to restore
the rule of law and protect the water consumption rights of the Cuajone mine
community. SPCC reiterated its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue
with the group leaders provided they cease such violent and coercive tactics
that threaten the stability of the region.
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© Edgar Online, source Glimpses