Peru Mine Opponents March as Industry Warns Boom at Risk

Peru tightened security and closed schools in the south of the country as unions began a 48-hour protest as part of the biggest wave of mining opposition in three years.

Thousands gathered in cities including Arequipa, the biggest in the region, to oppose Southern Copper Corp.’s Tia Maria project, national police chief Jorge Flores told the Canal N network Wednesday. Police used teargas to disperse a group attempting to enter Arequipa’s airport. The marches have been generally peaceful and police have made few arrests, he said.