BNamericas – Mining, hydrocarbons account for 80% of conf…

The number of active and latent socio-environmental conflicts recorded in Peru in June reached 128, of which mining and hydrocarbons accounted for 64% and 17%, respectively.

That is according to the latest social conflicts report from local ombudsman Defensoría del Pueblo. Of the 128 conflicts, 98 are active, with 65 related to mining and 19 to hydrocarbons.

Other latent conflicts include those in the power sector, including opposition and claims against hydroelectric developers in the regions of Ancash, Cusco and Huánuco.

The document also shows that among 63 cases under observation that could lead to conflict is opposition to decrees that authorized the signing of hydrocarbons exploration and production license contracts for offshore blocks Z-67 and Z-68.

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The cases under observation include opposition to the installation of high voltage power transmission infrastructure in the Huánuco district of Amarilis.

Stakeholders have pinned hopes on new energy and mines minister Rafael Belaunde’s community negotiations background to help address social conflicts. His previous posts included head of territorial promotion and coordination at the Defensoría, where he also worked as an advisor.

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Meanwhile, the number of collective protest actions hit a high in June, driven by COVID-19 demands, highlights the report.

Photo credit: Defensoría del Pueblo