"Trevali’s Santander zinc mine in Peru hit by blockade", 26 September 2018

Canada’s Trevali Mining revealed Wednesday it had temporarily halted operations at its Santander zinc mine in Peru, as a small group of locals blocked access to the installations, claiming that the company had failed to satisfy its investment obligations...

The illegal action began more than three weeks ago in protest for what locals claim to be increasing pollution of their land and only water source.

“It is unfortunate that a small group of individuals chose to act in this manner instead of through open dialogue,” president and chief executive Mark Cruise said. “We have enjoyed tremendous support from the local communities at Santander over the years and will continue to work diligently with the community to strengthen our commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship.”

...a group of locals spend seven days blocking the only access to the mine in protest for what they call “repetitive abuse” to community members and increasing pollution of their land and only water source, local paper La República reported.

They had said they were ready to stay there indefinitely, but Trevali said barricades have been lifted, adding it expected to resume production within the week...