Peru’s National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) has opened an investigation following a fatal accident at the Las Bambas copper mine operated by China’s MMG in the Apurímac region, reported Reuters.
The incident took place on Tuesday 18 August during maintenance work to replace a pump at a clarification pond, around 9km from the Las Bambas process plant.
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Richard José Flores Rhea, an employee of Las Bambas, and Tony Nilson González Challa, a contractor from SINAR Perú, both died in the accident.
Three additional workers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
Las Bambas temporarily suspended operations in response to the accident, with a gradual restart planned from 21 August, according to MMG.
Sunafil officials are inspecting the site to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
MMG said it is cooperating fully with authorities and has begun an internal investigation.
The company is providing support to the families of the deceased and assistance to the injured workers and has also arranged counselling services for staff affected by the accident.
The Las Bambas copper mine is situated more than 4,000m above sea level near Challhuahuacho between the Cotabambas and Grau provinces and accounts for roughly 2% of global copper output.
The mine produced 410,829t of copper last year, a 28% increase over its 2024 supply forecast, according to Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Operational halts at Las Bambas have occurred previously, often linked to protests from local communities seeking increased economic benefits from mining activities.
Commercial operations at the site began in 2016 following a lengthy period of development.
