Loading ...The Peruvian government announced on Wednesday that miners are allowed to ask permission to extend operations amid a conflict that has shaken the sector over environmental concerns.
“Mining companies can request extensions and modifications to their permits to explore and exploit in strict adherence to current regulations,” the government said in a tweet.
On Monday, Hochschild Mining (LSE: HOC; US-OTC: HCHDF) said it would fight what it claims are “illegal” efforts by Peru to close and block extensions of its Pallancata and Inmaculada silver mines on environmental grounds.
The company said in a statement it had learned via media reports that Peru’s head of cabinet, certain vice-ministers and regional authorities in the town of Coracora in the Ayacucho region had signed minutes of a meeting that detailed alleged environmental complaints.
The minutes also state that a commission has been established to negotiate the timetable and terms for the closure of specific mining projects in southern Ayacucho, including the company’s Pallancata and Inmaculada mines.
According to Hochschild, the Peruvian head of cabinet subsequently indicated that approvals would no longer be granted to facilitate additional mining or exploration activities concerning these mining operations.