This is a new development. This afternoon, Peru’s environmental control body OEFA published this PR on reported water pollution from the Nexa Resources “El Porvenir” mine in the central upland Pasco province, a region that plays host to many operating mines. To the knowledge of this desk, locals have held long-term complaints regarding pollution of the water supply, but this is the first time OEFA has emitted a communique apparently supporting the claims of locals in the “La Quinua” community and against the mining company.
If you believe that’s a coincidence, what with a new government taking over, a Minister of Energy and Mines who is also known environmental activist (his wife runs an anti-mining NGO, I kid you not) your humble scribe has a bridge to sell you. And with Nexa now set for a bad time in Peru this desk wonders the obvious question: Who’s next?