Analysis: Peru's Castillo hardens stance on mining protests as economy stumbles

Peru’s President Pedro Castillo speaks upon arriving at congress amid a curfew in the capital Lima imposed over fuel cost protests that have spread throughout the country, in Lima, Peru April 5, 2022. REUTERS/Angela Ponce/File Photo

LIMA, April 21 (Reuters) – Peru’s leftist President Pedro Castillo has signaled a tougher stance on protests against mining companies that are roiling the Andean nation, the world’s second largest copper producer, mobilizing the army in a sharp tactical shift from a previous conciliatory approach.

Mining activity has been halted at Southern Copper Corp’s (SCCO.N) Cuajone since late February as protesters from the mostly indigenous surrounding communities demand financial compensation and a share of future profits.

The government on Wednesday announced a state of emergency at the Cuajone mine, saying it would send military forces and suspend the…