Bear Creek Mining has launched a legal action against the Peruvian government, which recently cancelled the Canadian company's rights to its mineral concessions – effectively blocking plans for a silver mine.
The Vancouver-based company announced Wednesday that it has applied for a constitutional injunction, known as an ampara, against the Peruvian government.
Bear Creek asserts it has complied with all legal requirements and there was no basis for a presidential decree in June that cancelled authorization for the Santa Ana concessions.
On June 25, the Peruvian government revoked a decree granting approval for the mine after weeks of protests against the Bear Creek project and others that paralyzed the region with road blockades.
"Despite the measures taken recently by the Peruvian government, which has forced Bear Creek to take legal action to defend its rights under the law, the company believes that a political solution is yet possible," said Andrew Swarthout, Bear Creek's chief executive officer.
Six people were killed and at least 30 wounded in June when police turned back protesters who tried to take over an airport near the city of Juliaca in Puno state during a protest 160 kilometres from the mine.
Mr. Swarthout has previously described the protest as "politically motivated."
The company says it has followed Peruvian law and has held extensive consultations with local residents and developed an environmental plan that makes it impossible for the mine to pollute Lake Titicaca as some have alleged.