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Peruvians in Cajamarca stop the building of giant gold mine, 2011-2012

Summary

From November 2011 to August 2012, residents of Cajamarca, Peru, organized protests, strikes, and marches to stop the construction of the Conga gold mine by Newmont Mining Corporation. The campaign succeeded in suspending construction and placing the project “on the back burner,” though the mine was not permanently canceled. The movement was led by local governor Gregorio Santos and drew on widespread opposition to the mine’s threat to water sources. [source: nv-database]

Tactics used

Background

In February 2010, Newmont Mining Corporation proposed the Conga gold mine in Cajamarca, Peru, a $4.8 billion project that would become the world’s second largest gold mine. Locals opposed the mine due to concerns it would damage fragile mountain wetlands supplying drinking water, and they distrusted Newmont after a history of troubled mining relations in the region. President Ollanta Humala initially supported the opposition but later backed the mine, citing economic benefits. [source: nv-database]

What happened

On 24 November 2011, an estimated 10,000 residents marched in Cajamarca, clashing with police who used tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in 17 injuries [source: nv-database]. Protesters blockaded roads and destroyed installations at the mine site, prompting Newmont to suspend construction on 30 November [source: nv-database]. President Humala declared a state of emergency on 5 December and sent a delegation for talks, which failed [source: nv-database]. On 2 January 2012, 2,000 people marched peacefully, reiterating demands for a new environmental impact study [source: nv-database]. On 22 March, thousands marched to Laguna Azul on World Water Day, drinking water from the lake and singing “Agua si! [source: nv-database] Oro no!” [source: nv-database]. On 11 April, a 24-hour general strike shut down most of Cajamarca [source: nv-database]. In late June, the government cleared Newmont to resume work, sparking mass protests in early July [source: nv-database]. On 3 July, several people were killed after protesters stormed municipal offices in Celendin; Humala declared a third state of emergency [source: nv-database]. Police arrested leader Marco Arena, who was later released after a video showed him being beaten [source: nv-database]. On 28 August, Prime Minister Juan Jimenez announced the suspension of the mine, giving Newmont two years to guarantee water safety [source: nv-database]. Newmont’s CEO stated the company would only proceed with strong community backing [source: nv-database].

Key people & organizations

  • Gregorio Santos [source: nv-database]
  • Newmont Mining Corporation [source: nv-database]
  • Peruvian government [source: nv-database]
  • Ollanta Humala [source: nv-database]
  • Salomon Lerner Ghitis [source: nv-database]
  • Marco Arena [source: nv-database]
  • Juan Jimenez [source: nv-database]
  • Richard O’Brien [source: nv-database]
  • Manuel Pulgar Vidal [source: nv-database]
  • Tinkari [source: nv-database]

Outcome

Verdict: partial.

The campaign achieved a partial victory: construction was suspended and the project was placed “on the back burner,” but no permanent cancellation was announced. The outcome was due to sustained mass mobilization, political pressure from within the government, and the strong opposition of 78% of locals, though the mine could potentially be revived after Gregorio Santos left office. [source: nv-database]

Lessons

  • Framing the campaign around a universally valued resource like water can build broad public support [source: nv-database]
  • Sustained nonviolent action combined with symbolic protests on key dates (e.g., World Water Day) can keep media and political attention [source: nv-database]
  • Having a political leader (like a governor) as a visible ally can amplify the movement’s demands and legitimacy [source: nv-database]

Sources

Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.

Sources & verification

  • nv-database — grounding: primary — license: link-only
  • Rewritten: 2026-07-04 via worker_casestudies_v2.py

Last verified: 2026-07-09