Tintaya Copper Mine
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PROBLEMS: LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD
When the government and mine company demanded that farmers sell their farms and make way for the Tintaya mine in 1982, they promised jobs in return for the land, but many workers were later laid off when the price of copper fell and the company changed their mining and processing strategy.
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| Carlos Saico's farm was sold to the mine. He was a mine employee for some time before being laid off. By: Diego Nebel/Oxfam |
Farmers accustomed to raising animals and crops have to make significant sacrifices when faced with the loss of their land. When the government and mine company demanded that farmers sell their farms and make way for the Tintaya mine in 1982, they offered 10 soles per hectare (about $US 3 for 2.45 acres) and promised jobs in return for the land. Although some people were offered jobs, many workers were later laid off when the price of copper fell and the company changed their mining and processing strategy. This left many people with no job and no land – nowhere to work and nowhere to live. Loss of traditional livelihoods leads to high levels of unemployment, and the mine has not proven capable of meeting the demand for jobs.
One farmer, Carlos Saico, the President of the Alto Huancane community, reported that the 48 families affected by the mine since 1982 used to make a decent living through agriculture. They grew potatoes, quinua (an Andean grain), wheat, and oats. They also raised cows, sheep, and sold meat and dairy products. "Some years when there was no rain we had difficulties, but mostly we had good years and sold our crops and meat, milk and cheese." Carlos was one of seven people from Alto Huancane who were recently fired from the mine. His farm and his mother's land were expropriated for the mine site. Their land is now occupied by apartment buildings built for mine workers.
All people have the right to pursue and protect a sustainable livelihood. People affected by the Tintaya mine have a right to advocate for and receive compensation from the mine company for their financial losses related to pollution, unjust land sales, and other actions taken by the mine. Oxfam and key Peruvian organizations are providing training and other support for local communities to help them pursue their claims for compensation to the BHP-Billiton company.