President Ollanta Humala said on Saturday his government would ensure Cajamarca’s water supplies, and would not allow mining activities to jeopardize the region’s basic necessities or economy.

“I vow to the people of Cajamarca that the prerequisite, to give continuity to the [Conga] project, is to guarantee water for the vital and economic needs of the population,” Humala said according to El Comercio.

Humala also mentioned Newmont’s recent announcement that it would comply with the Peruvian government’s requirements for the $4.8 billion Conga mining project.

"This is a project that my Government received in conditions that we wanted to improve, for the economic, social and environmental benefit of the people of Cajamarca […] we can and will ensure the company guarantees the water supply beforehand, that was my commitment to Cajamarca,” the president added.

"My government won't permit the development of any mining project that exposes the local population to water shortages, or to water that doesn't meet quality standards for human consumption."

The president also announced the government would launch a multi-sectoral commission, that would deliver a “legal proposal that would allow us to advance toward sustainable development [of the Conga project].”

The report would be completed within 30 days, according to El Comercio.

 

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