There have been strong protests in the Cajamarca region of Peru with huge demonstrations, road blocks and occupation of the Conga gold mine site belonging to Yanacocha/Newmont. This resulted in police shooting unarmed protesters on 29 November and the mine announcing suspension of the project on the same day.

Given the entrenchment of opposition to mine, including by thousands of subsistence farmers who have said they are ready to die to prevent this mine, there appears to be a real risk of large scale violence.

Michael Watts has produced a video clip in support of the Conga campaign. To see it click here.

LAMMP has written an open letter to President Humala concerning the situation. The text of the letter is available in Spanish and English, together with a list of organisations and individuals signing the letter.