Adapted from Beyondthemine.com
The Minera Yanacocha mine in northern Peru has had a history of aggressive confrontations between local communities and our security personnel. In 2007, the Regional Director of Security, Lee Langston, decided to try a new approach to reduce the violent conflict that was occurring with more frequency.
To build and nurture more personal relationships with nearby communities, the mine's security personnel and its contract security provider, FORZA, started to organize weekend community festivals. Partnering with Cajamarca businesses and community organizations, the group of more than 30 security staff coordinated much-appreciated entertainment and civic services for these isolated communities.
The carnival atmosphere they created featured musical bands, a cultural dance troop performing Andean folk dances, and even an interactive children's show involving a clown and his assistant. They organized soccer games, with community teams taking on the visitors. The security team and their families also prepared and served lunch to each community they visited.
Additionally, businesses and organizations from the regional city of Cajamarca volunteered their services for these community events. Employees from the police health unit conducted lectures on family planning, spousal abuse and hygiene. A prominent dental office provided free fluoride treatment, toothbrushes and toothpaste to 100 children during one visit. Even barbers offered free haircuts.
Initially, these events were held in communities with whom the mine had a positive relationship. As the security team gained confidence, they moved to communities that had previously engaged in conflict - including Combayo, Quishuar and Hualtipampa.
"Although the social conflicts still exist," Langston said, "we are seeing it manifest in more peaceful ways. Community authorities and Rondas leaders (community security forces) are now talking with us. We recognize each other along the road and engage in cordial conversation. We understand that building trust will take a long time."
The change of attitude also has affected mine's security personnel.
"When we first began this program, security supervisors were skeptical and fearful to enter the communities due to their involvement in past incidents," Langston said. "Today, they argue over who gets to coordinate the next event."
These low-profile events are not promoted. They are purely about building relationships in the hope that grievances and conflicts can be expressed and resolved peacefully. Due to the success of the initial program, Yanacocha's security department has incorporated the visits into its management plan and held several community visits in 2008.
