The Conga mining project, located 73 km from Cajamarca city, was designed to exploit the Perol and Chailhuagón deposits, producing up to 680,000 ounces of gold and over 100,000 metric tons of copper annually. Despite receiving formal approval in 2010 after an Environmental Impact Assessment, the project quickly faced escalating social opposition. Local communities argued that Conga threatened four high-altitude lakes considered headwaters for five watersheds, essential to agriculture, drinking water, and cultural identity. 

Previous conflicts involving Minera Yanacocha, including contamination incidents and land acquisition disputes, deepened mistrust and fueled resistance. Environmental concerns highlighted risks to groundwater and wetlands, potential biodiversity loss, and insufficient guarantees that artificial reservoirs could replace natural water sources. Social reports warned of impacts on 3,000 hectares of productive land and insufficient stakeholder consultation. Protests intensified between 2011 and 2012, resulting in five fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and a regional shutdown. 

Although an international hydrological review recommended mitigation measures, tensions persisted, leading to the project’s indefinite suspension in 2012 and eventual abandonment in 2016. The case illustrates the critical importance of early dialogue, transparent communication, and building a social license to operate in regions with historical grievances.

This case was developed by Sinfranova in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy Peru in 2022 and published in 2025. 

To read the full case in Spanish, click here: