Peru labor watchdog probes China's MMG Las Bambas mine after accident kills 2 workers

MMG

19/08/2026 20:57

LIMA, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Peru's labor watchdog said on Wednesday it has launched an investigation into China's MMG Las Bambas copper mine following an accident that killed two workers and forced the temporary suspension of operations.
MGM 1208.HK reported that the accident occurred on Tuesday and also left three workers injured. In a statement, the company said that a "gradual restart" of the Las Bambas mine in the Peruvian Andes is expected to begin on August 21.
Peru's National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) said the accident happened during maintenance work to replace a pump in a clarification pond. 
The agency is inspecting the site to "verify the facts."
Las Bambas said in another statement that it is cooperating fully with authorities.
The mine, which accounts for about 2% of global copper output, has faced frequent operational halts due to protests from local communities demanding greater economic benefits from the resource.
Peru is the world's third-largest copper producer.
Las Bambas, which began operations in 2016, produced 410,829 metric tons of copper last year, 28% more than its 2024 supply forecast, according to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

 (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Raúl Cortés Fernández, Editing by Natalia Siniawski)
 ((Raul.CortesFernandez@thomsonreuters.com; +5579407905;))