Editorial photo #2126898 Human Interest

Protests against gold mining in Cajamarca

A graffiti stencil in opposition to the proposed Conga Gold Mine in Cajamarca, Peru. The Denver-based Newmont Mining Co. has proposed expanding mining operations in the region, which the local population believes would be heavily contaminated by more mining activities. Photo taken on 9 March 2012.Cajamarca, Peru, is home to the Yanacocha gold and copper mine, one of the largest open pit mines in the world. In 2012, the mine's operator, US-based Newmont Mining Co. proposed expanding the mine by opening a new project called the Conga Mine. This proposal was met with intense resistance from the local and indigenous population, who felt more mining activity would further contaminate water supplies in the region. Photos taken in March 2012. (Photo by Diego Cupolo/NurPhoto)