Southern Copper rejects bribery accusations

In the latest drama unfolding at Southern Copper Corp.’s (NYSE: SCCO; LSE: SCCO) embattled Tia Maria project in Peru, the company has dismissed allegations that a lawyer, who used to work for the company, tried to bribe protestors on behalf of the company.

In a form 8-K filed May 12 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the Peruvian branch of Southern Copper stated that it “rejected the allegations by a TV station alleging that significant sums of money were offered to the leaders of the protest to end the current disturbances” at the US$1.4 billion project.

“The branch clarified that the alleged offer was made by a third party with no authority to represent the branch,” the statement read. The branch also denied “taking any part in any illegal activity or improper conduct.”

Demonstrations calling for the cancellation of the project have left three people dead and more than 200 injured since the protests began in March, according to reports from international news agencies.

On May 9, the government sent its armed forces to the region, in the southern province of Islay, to help maintain law and order, authorizing them to assist local police. 

Read the complete article at NorthernMiner.com/news/southern-copper