Newmont and Buenavuentura jointly own and operate the Yanacocha Mine in Peru, and sought to expand operations in the region. In 2011 Máxima Acuña’s property in Sorochuco campesino was destroyed after her family refused to leave their property to make way for the mine.
EarthRights International who represents the family in their lawsuit against Newmont in the U.S., writes about the case: “Newmont’s agents (including public and private security forces) have used harassment and violence to try to evict the family from their farm. The Chaupes allege that they have been physically attacked and threatened, and that Newmont’s agents have destroyed their property and possessions, and killed or attacked their pets and livestock”
Read more in Earthights International’s article on Maxima’s lawsuit against Newmont.
Other sources on the case:
Goldman Environmental Foundation article on Máxima Acuña’s story.
Amnesty International report on defenders of property and land in Peru and Paraguay
The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights’ broad appeal, to the Peruvian government including Acuña’s case
Independent Fact Finding Mission report on the case.