Chapter 13: Project Conga: An Unresolved Social License

Peru’s strong economic growth over the last decade has largely been driven by the extractive industries. And while the country has benefitted greatly overall, gaps in wealth and social economic indicators (quality of life) have widened. Conga conflict which pitted a mining company, local and regional groups and the population of Cajamarca against one another is a manifestation of the continuing gaps. Throughout the process more than 10 people were killed in a violent confrontation.

The Conga conflict emerged from a social license process that was thwarted by a disjointed State, a company without a clear communication strategy, a population traditionally occupied with farming and ranching, and social leaders who sought what was good for society, in their view, without quantifying the effect of their actions.