The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has ruled that Peru must compensate residents of an Andean town for enduring years of environmental violations stemming from air, water, and soil pollution caused by a nearby mine. The court found that the state failed to adequately regulate and supervise the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex, which operated for nearly a century until financial challenges and environmental standards led to its closure in 2009. Residents in the area were exposed to harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and sulfur dioxide, posing significant health risks. The court determined that affected individuals should receive a minimum of $30,000 each in damages, with additional compensation of $65,000 for legal beneficiaries of deceased victims. Despite the reopening of La Oroya in 2023 under new management committed to environmental compliance, the court mandated Peru to assess current contamination levels in the area and provide financial assistance and medical support to the victims. Peru, a major global copper producer where mining accounts for a significant portion of exports, is urged to address the environmental and health impacts on affected communities as part of its human rights obligations.
Peru Ordered to Pay Damages to Mining Town Residents by Human Rights Court