Peru Labor Watchdog probes MMG's Las Bambas Mine after fatal accident claims two workers
2026-08-20 11:27:59 [Print]
Peru's labor watchdog said on Wednesday it has launched an investigation into MMG's Las Bambas copper mine, following an accident that killed two workers and prompted a temporary suspension of operations.
MMG reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday and also left three workers injured. In a statement, the company said a "gradual restart" of the Las Bambas mine, located in the Peruvian Andes, is expected to begin on August 21.
Peru's National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) said the accident took place during maintenance work to replace a pump in a clarification pond. The agency is conducting an on-site inspection to "verify the facts."
The mine, which accounts for roughly 2% of global copper output, has faced frequent operational disruptions due to protests from local communities demanding a greater share of the economic benefits generated by the resource.
Peru is the world's third-largest copper producer.
Las Bambas, which began operations in 2016, produced 410,829 metric tons of copper last year, representing a 28% increase over its 2024 supply forecast, according to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
MMG reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday and also left three workers injured. In a statement, the company said a "gradual restart" of the Las Bambas mine, located in the Peruvian Andes, is expected to begin on August 21.
Peru's National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) said the accident took place during maintenance work to replace a pump in a clarification pond. The agency is conducting an on-site inspection to "verify the facts."
The mine, which accounts for roughly 2% of global copper output, has faced frequent operational disruptions due to protests from local communities demanding a greater share of the economic benefits generated by the resource.
Peru is the world's third-largest copper producer.
Las Bambas, which began operations in 2016, produced 410,829 metric tons of copper last year, representing a 28% increase over its 2024 supply forecast, according to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Copper Conc. 20%min Delivered China Cu Payable
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China's copper rod producers' inventory statistics by province by month
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