Doe Run Peru employees expressed disbelief, as the company said it would seek another operator for the La Oroya metallurgical complex, after its board of creditors rejected the restructuring plan.

Local news reported several La Oroya residents wept as they heard the news the company would go into liquidation, while others expressed joy, saying the environment would be protected.

According to El Comercio, Royberto Guzman, secretary general of the Union of Metalworkers of Doe Run Peru, said he did not expect the company’s liquidation.

"The government must now face the consequences, as workers we have declared ourselves ready to fight," Guzman said.

Union leaders emphasized they were still on strike, and said they had only agreed to a temporary stoppage until the board had reached a final decision.

Metalworkers have scheduled a meeting for April 16, in order to discuss the union’s plan.

Marco Cajas Rios, presidents of the Huancayo Chamber of Commerce said the company’s liquidation would collapse the local economy, and bankrupt businesses in the area, saying the company’s activities accounted for a substantial amount of the region’s income.

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