Authorities representing the communities closest to the Río Blanco mining project in the province of Piura have announced that a local referendum will be held on September 16th 2007 to decide whether or not they are in favour of Minera Majaz’s (Monterrico Metals) proposed mine.

The consultation, which is being organized by Red Muqui and the Frente de Defensa (a group of local NGOs), will take place in the districts of Carmen de la Frontera (Huancabamba), and Ayabaca and Pacaipampa (Ayabaca).

The Mayor of Ayabaca, Humberto Marchena, states that it is the people themselves who have requested the referendum and they hope that the result will be respected and accepted by the government, the mining company and the local community.