Copper mine in Peru, Minas de Tintaya
Mine strike in Peru, the world's second largest copper and zinc producer
Peru's National Federation of Mining Workers is calling for an indefinite strike to protest against the government's planned labor reforms, which started slowly on Tuesday.
The National Society of Mining, Petroleum, and Energy (SNMPE) called the action a failure and said the mines would operate normally throughout the South American country.
Similar measures by unions in 2017 have had limited impact, but any ongoing disruption can affect metal markets as Peru is the second largest producer of copper, silver and zinc, the fourth largest lead producer and the sixth largest gold and tin producer in the world.
According to Mining Intelligence data, Peruvian copper production last year exceeded 2,4 million tons, while silver production exceeded 100 million ounces. Zinc production was slightly more than 1,3 million tons.
Peru has a total of 123 producing mines and another six are currently under construction. The country is home to some of the largest copper mines in the world, including Freeport's Cerro Verde, Antamina and Las Bambas by BHP-Glencore, which is owned by China Minmetals.
Mining.com / ISE - September 2019
