The new gold mine would be the largest in the history of Peruvian mining and would generate between 580,000 and 680,000 ounces of gold, per year, during its first five years of operations.
Regional leaders and community groups argue the project would cause pollution and sap supplies of water used by local farmers.
The project would displace four small lakes more than two miles (3,500 meters) above sea level with man-made reservoirs that mine officials say will actually increase water supplies for farmers.
Its environmental impact statement was approved last year but protesters complain that the regulatory process is fundamentally flawed because the Mining Ministry is in charge and, unlike the Environment Ministry, is largely beholden to the industry.
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