Talisman Energy, a Canadian oil company that was at the center of controversy in the Amazon region, has announced that it will stop its operations in Peru and leave the country.

The announcement came after Talisman spent eight years searching for oil in blocks 64 and 103 in the Marañón River valley, in Peru’s northern Amazon.

According to Talisman, the exploration process had uncovered reserves of light crude in block 64, but the company has decided to shift its focus to short-term production and reserves that can be brought to market more quickly.

The exploration process has faced stiff opposition from many members of the local Achuar community, who allege Talisman of infringing on their rights and putting the environment in jeopardy. Achuar leaders went to Talisman’s headquarters in Calgary to make their case heard earlier this year.

Nevertheless, Talisman officials said that the social conflict did not play any role in the decision to stop exploration. According to Reuters, Talisman spokesperson Veronica Bonifaz said that, “We don't operate in the territory of communities that oppose our activities, we only work in places where we have the support of communities.”

According to Gestión, Talisman is expected to work with state oil company Perupetro to find a new operator for Blocks 64 and 103.
 

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