The gold mining organisation Oro Sur Limata

Peru is one of the most important gold producing countries in the world. Besides the large international mining companies, there are many smaller mines that represent the majority of the labour force in gold mining. One of them is the Minera Oro Sur Limata cooperative in the Puno region of southern Peru.

Projects using Fairtrade Premium

Environment:

• Conducting a study using soil samples
• analysis of metals, water and air quality and noise emissions, to measure the impact of mining activity on the environment and to check compliance with permitted levels
• Cleaning of the tailings and water clarification ponds to improve water quality.

Infrastructure and productivity:

• Improvement of the gold melting plant

Improvement of working conditions:

• Renovation of the workers' dining room and improvement of the kitchen
• Construction of toilets at the workplace

Social projects:

• Donation of building materials to the Limata community for the construction of a community centre.
• Christmas hampers for employees of the cooperative

Education:

• Further training for members of the cooperative on health and safety at work, money laundering and bookkeeping

About the cooperative

The people of Ananea have traditionally lived from alpaca breeding and wool production. Although this work is an important part of their identity, it did not offer these people enough economic prospects. Therefore, the inhabitants of Ananea have found an alternative activity in gold mining to overcome their poverty.

Although the Cooperativa Minera Oro Sur Limata is not a member of the umbrella organisation CECOMSAP, the latter takes care of the export of their gold for them.