“Arequipa: Mollebaya residents protest against Cerro Verde over pollution,” February 11, 2025

Residents of the Mollebaya district protested outside the offices of Cerro Verde, denouncing excessive pollution in the area allegedly caused by the company’s operations...

The district’s mayor, Tito Zegarra, joined the residents in order to engage in dialogue with representatives of Cerro Verde and address the community’s grievances...

Residents complained about the persistent presence of excessive smoke in the surrounding areas, which they say has affected Mollebaya for years, as well as water contamination. According to demonstrators, this has led to decreased agricultural yields, particularly affecting livestock production...

Following discussions with Cerro Verde representatives, Zegarra stated that a dialogue roundtable would be established within 15 days, with the participation of company executives, to consider support measures for the community, including a potable water tanker, an ambulance, and infrastructure projects such as a reservoir and a hospital.