Monterrico project attacked by gunmen

Exploration & Development

Publishing Date: 03 Nov 2009 1:04pm GMT
Author: Mining Journal

Monterrico Metals plc's Rio Blanco copper project in Peru has been attacked by 20 unidentified gunmen, who killed at least two employees.

Newswires reported that men armed with rifles and revolvers shot two guards at the project, and set fire to buildings. A further seven employees have been reported missing from the site.

Monterrico is currently facing a court battle in the UK regarding allegations of the torture of protestors at the site in 2005. The UK High Court has also ordered an injunction against the company, freezing assets of £5 million (US$8.3 million).

Monterrico is controlled by a Chinese consortium led by Zijin Mining Group Co.

(November 3)