Colonial Governance in the Mining Sector: Las Bambas’ RSC and the Conflicts with the Communities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mining is an essential component of Peru's social metabolism and the main export item in monetary terms. Copper accounts for half of exports, and its demand is expected to increase because of the energy transition. Mining extraction causes permanent and numerous socio-environmental conflicts, particularly affecting indigenous populations whose integrity is at risk. The Chinese mining company MMG owns the Las Bambas mining project and has ongoing conflicts with affected communities. Affected communities are vulnerable to the mining giant and government repression. Despite promises of community participation, the company has failed to deliver. A long process of complaints and protests begins, to which more communities affected by the mining project are joining. Based on an analysis of the mining company's corporate social responsibility, we will show its colonial governance, demonstrating that its corporate social responsibility does not resolve the conflict, but on the contrary, favors the monetary claims of the communities supporting a corporate colonial behavior.