Vancouver gold and copper miner Rio Alto Mining Ltd. (TSX V: RIO) reported this morning that work at its La Arena gold oxide mine resumed over the weekend after resolution of a looming strike.
Last Thursday, Rio Alto announced it had temporarily suspended mining activities at La Arena, located near Lima, Peru, as workers there prepared for what Rio Alto called an illegal strike.
During discussions over the last several days, the company agreed with the La Arena community members to form a number of joint committees to monitor the progress of initiatives set out in a framework agreement and to improve communication between area residents and Rio Alto.
The agreement, as drafted when Rio Alto was seeking mine approval in 2009 included three principal undertakings:
- the construction of a new school;
- assistance with the selection and design of a new town site for area residents; and
- an education and training program to improve literacy and provide training for technical skills necessary to work within the mining industry.
“All of these undertakings have been initiated resulting in completion of the first stage of the school during August making it ready for students, finalization of a town site options study and the start of several training courses” the company said in a statement.
According to Rio Alto, the community has agreed that its members would not cause work stoppages without first discussing concerns with the company.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV