Peru mining companies called on the government to stop the violent anti-mining protests that have put out of action a major gold project and threaten to freeze another one after a mining camp was attacked this week.
Carlos Santa Cruz, vice president of the National Society of Mining, said, "We urge the government and regional leaders to reestablish their authority to prevent the actions of violent groups spreading".
On Tuesday about 350 protesters broke into the La Zanja camp, owned by Peru's biggest precious metals miner Buenaventura in northern Peru, and set it on fire.
Buenaventura said it was now reconsidering whether to go ahead with gold exploration there because of the protests.
