LIMA, Peru – Peruvian authorities say two police officers have been killed in the southern Andean highlands while trying to dislodge protesters blocking a mine entrance.
District Mayor Cosme Cari tells RPP radio that the two were killed as local farmers hurling rocks with slingshots fought tear-gas-firing police Friday at the entrance to the Aguilas mine owned by the Peruvian company Ciemsa.
The violence in the Puno state district of Ocuviri occurred during a second day of protests against Ciemsa. Cari says it has refused provide locals with proof it has permission to extract ore at the small multi-metal mine.
Cari says both police officers died of brain trauma.
Ciemsa has five other mines in Puno and locals have accused it of contaminating their water sources.
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