Протести против медна мина в Перу

Protesters rallying against Southern Copper's Tia Maria mine project were confronted by riot police in the Peruvian city of Arequipa, Isla, Thursday. Various unions took part in the protest, including members of the teacher's union SUTEP, the Mason's Union, and Cono Norte. Part of Mexican mining company Grupo Mexico, Southern Copper plans to invest some $1.4 billion (88 million euro) into the construction of Tia Maria, with hopes to produce 120,000 tonnes of copper cathodes per year. However opponents claim that the mine will pollute waterways in the region and damage agricultural land. Since demonstrations began in March, three people have died and at least 200 have been injured in violent protests. The president of Peru's SNMPE mining chamber has called for the project to be halted, urging for an open dialogue between both sides.