Anti-Mining Protesters Sack Buildings in Peru

Published December 11, 2016

LIMA, Peru -- Indigenous protesters who oppose a planned silver mine in Peru's southern highlands have sacked public buildings and set fire to several vehicles in the regional capital of Puno.

The protesters are mainly Aymara Indians. For two weeks they have been blocking roads along the border with Bolivia to demand the government cancel the license for the Santa Ana mine. It is owned by the U.S. Bear Creek company, which plans to begin production next year.

The protesters fear contamination of Lake Titicaca, hurting fishing and agriculture.

President Alan Garcia says the government cannot cancel the license.

Police in Puno say the violence began Thursday and continued overnight.

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