When Peruvians hear the words "La Oroya," it immediately conjures thoughts of "mining contamination," "mining havoc," and "a glaring example of why we should not allow informal and irresponsible mining in our country." La Oroya stands as one of the greatest failures of the mining industry in Peru, not only revealing that many mining companies in the country flout laws but also demonstrating their blatant disregard for the health of people and the environment. Their primary focus seems to be an insatiable hunger for generating profits at any cost.

Located in the Peruvian highlands, La Oroya is a city in Junín, Peru that faces a silent yet severe crisis: lead contamination. Operated by different companies, including Cerro de Pasco Copper Corporation, the Peruvian State, and Doe Run, over the years, La Oroya polymetallic metallurgical complex has exposed residents to toxic lead levels, significantly impacting children, adolescents, and adults. Moreover, the contamination has extended to the Mantaro River, wreaking havoc on the ecosystem and claiming the lives of numerous fish and animals. La Oroya serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of irresponsible mining and the devastating consequences it can have on human health and the environment.

Historical Background (1922-2009):

Rumbo minero. (n.d.). Alertan de Riesgos en reactivación de la oroya. CooperAcción. https://cooperaccion.org.pe/alertan-de-riesgos-en-reactivacion-de-la-oroya/

La Oroya Metallurgical Complex, established near the Mantaro River in 1922 by the U.S. company Cerro de Pasco Copper Corporation, was designed to process ore concentrates rich in lead, copper, zinc, silver, and gold. However, this ambitious venture also introduced a range of contaminants, including sulfur, cadmium, and arsenic. The complex operated under private ownership until 1974 when it was nationalized and came under state control.

For over two decades, the complex operated under state management, raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts due to the release of various contaminants. In 1997, the trajectory of La Oroya changed when the U.S. Doe Run Company, through its subsidiary Doe Run Peru, acquired the complex. This transition marked a shift in ownership but maintained the challenges associated with the environmental legacy of the complex.

In 2009, a financial crisis led to the suspension of operations at La Oroya Metallurgical Complex. The complex, facing economic challenges, entered a period of dormancy, leaving behind a legacy of environmental issues that continued to impact the region and the Mantaro River.

Environmental and Public Health Impact 

Reytuerto. (2013, May 8). Informe sobre La Oroya: Cuando la protección de los inversores amenaza los derechos humanos: SPDA Actualidad Ambiental. SPDA Actualidad Ambiental |. https://www.actualidadambiental.pe/descargar-informe-sobre-la-oroya-cuando-la-proteccion-de-los-inversores-amenaza-los-derechos-humanos/

Contamination of the Mantaro River

The historical operations of La Oroya Metallurgical Complex have left an enduring impact on the Mantaro River. The discharge of pollutants, including lead and heavy metals, has led to the contamination of the river, affecting aquatic life and posing risks to downstream communities that depend on the waterway.

Contamination of Soil and Air

The processing of ore concentrates at La Oroya Metallurgical Complex resulted in the release of pollutants into the air and soil. The deposition of lead and other contaminants in the surrounding areas has contributed to soil degradation and air pollution, posing risks to both the environment and the health of nearby communities.

Health Impacts on the Community

The contamination caused by La Oroya Metallurgical Complex's operations has taken a toll on the health of local residents. The exposure to lead and other toxic substances has been linked to various health issues, affecting both children and adults in the surrounding communities. Respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and other health complications have been reported, highlighting the severe consequences of the complex's historical operations.

The reactivation of the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex

Complejo Metalúrgico La Oroya reinicia operaciones en la provincia de Yauli, Junín. BNamericas. (2023, October 18). https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/la-oroya-metallurgical-complex-restarts-operations-in-the-province-of-yauli-junin

In 2023, the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex marked a significant revival as it recommenced operations in La Oroya, Junín. After a 13-year hiatus and entering the liquidation process, the complex is now under the management of its former employees. The return to operations not only holds promise for economic dynamism but also sparks discussions about the complex's role in the community and the potential impacts on both regional development and the well-being of its residents and the environment.

The reactivation of the La Oroya complex has marked a significant turnaround for the city, fueled by substantial support from the local population, especially former complex workers and their families. The resurgence of industrial operations has been met with enthusiasm by some, but it has also unleashed tensions and conflicts. Those opposing the reopening have faced aggression and threats from workers, prompting them to flee to the capital, Lima. Nevertheless, active resistance persists, led by environmental advocates such as Rosa Amaro and Yolanda Zurita, who spearhead the Movimiento por la Salud de La Oroya (Movement for the Health of La Oroya). Despite the economic benefits that mining activities have brought to workers and residents, enabling them to educate their children and access greater opportunities, controversy lingers. Medical analyses reveal high levels of lead in the blood of many individuals, raising questions about the true sustainability and ethics of the La Oroya metallurgical complex. While some proponents claim no health damage, considerations arise about potential economic motivations or other factors influencing these statements.

Chaignon, J., & Gosalbes, G. (2023, June 15). Perú: La polémica por reapertura de complejo metalúrgico en La Oroya. France 24. https://www.france24.com/es/programas/en-foco/20230615-per%C3%BA-la-pol%C3%A9mica-por-reapertura-de-complejo-metal%C3%BArgico-en-la-oroya

In conclusion, the reactivation of the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex under the management of former workers represents a significant milestone but also poses substantial challenges. It is anticipated that, in this new phase, strict adherence to all environmental regulations will prevent further damage to the already impacted region. It is imperative for previous owners, including the Peruvian government, Doe Run, and Cerro de Pasco Copper Corporation, to fully acknowledge responsibility for the havoc wreaked in La Oroya, encompassing both affected residents and the contamination of the Mantaro River.

The evident impact on the Mantaro River, losing its biodiversity and original quality, serves as a tangible reminder of the devastation caused by lead and other heavy metal pollution, exacerbated by untreated wastewater. The presence of elevated lead levels in the blood of children, teenagers, and adults is undeniable, supported by robust studies emphasizing the harmful consequences of past complex operations.

While some argue that operations have not affected certain residents, we cannot ignore the reality of victims and those adversely impacted. It is essential to honestly address the negative health repercussions for individuals and the environment. The La Oroya case underscores how economic needs often prevail over environmental consciousness and the suffering of some community members.

Let us hope that in this new phase, the negative impact is minimized as much as possible, and authorities diligently oversee the proceedings.