Maquinaria Lorenzana S.A.

The areas where refineries of Southern Copper and Doe Run operate have been exonerated from meeting the strict standards of environmental quality.

Last Saturday The Peruvian Government exonerated from meeting strict standards of environmental quality the areas where refineries of Southern Copper and Doe Run operate, in a move that would avoid a possible closure of those vital units for local mining development.

A regulation of the Ministry of the environment requires improving the standard of air quality in the cities to 20 micrograms of sulphur dioxide per cubic meter from the present 80 micrograms of sulphur dioxide, from January 1, 2014, reports Reuters.

“Should be considered, within the action plans for the improvement of the quality of the air, that development or update actions, goals, deadlines, schedules and mechanisms of adaptation required for reducing the concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air of a gradual and progressive manner” as says the standard published in the official journal.

The Ministry of the environment decided that the cities of Ilo, La Oroya and Arequipa, where the mining smelters and a huge fleet operate, to keep a standard of air quality of 80 micrograms of sulphur dioxide per cubic meter.

Southern Copper - one of the largest producers of copper in the world - said to employees last week that strict environmental air quality standards set by the Government could mean the stoppage of its Ilo refinery.

Another favoured one with the easing of the standard is the metallurgical complex of Doe Run, located in La Oroya - one of the most polluted cities in the world, which restarted its refining process of circuit of zinc in the middle of last year, after three years of having been crippled by billions of dollars of debt.

The important lines of production of lead and copper from this complex - which is now controlled by a Board of creditors - are still paralyzed by failing to even the environmental requirements for operating.

While Arequipa, who suffers from pollution caused by its automotive activity, was also excluded from the new standard of environmental air quality.

The regulation also points out that to set goals, deadlines, schedules and mechanisms of reduction of concentrations will have to analyze the feasibility and technological availability to prevent and reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide.

Peru is one of the largest producers of copper in the world and has mining as a key activity because sales in the sector account the 60% percent of its exports.