( CNN ) -- Peru declared a state of emergency in parts of the country after weeks of protests against a mining project , the Andina news agency reported . The state of emergency , which begins Monday , which will last for 60 days in four areas of Cajamarca department , according to Andina . President Ollanta Humala Tasso announced the decision , described as an attempt to re-establish peace in the area , Andina reported . The announcement Sunday came after protests against the construction of a $ 4.8 billion gold mining project called Conga . The decision came as union leaders refused to stop ongoing protests , Andina reported . Eighteen people were hurt , several by gunshots , following protests on Wednesday , the department 's director of health said . The protests took place despite an announcement Tuesday by U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp. that work on the project would be suspended . Newmont , which is based in Denver , Colorado , and describes itself as one of the world 's largest oil companies , said it had suspended construction on the project `` for the safety of employees and community members . '' It noted that operations there and at the nearby Yanacocha mine `` have experienced intermittent work stoppages as a result of ongoing protests in the region . '' The protests began when anti-mining activists expressed concern about the possible impact of the project on the local water supply , the company said in a statement on its website . `` The Conga Environmental Impact Assessment was approved in 2010 after extensive review by the Peruvian government , which included significant engagement and consultation with local communities , '' it said . Critics say the mining project would adversely affect the area 's ecosystem and would leave cattle in the zone without access to water . CNN 's Helena DeMoura and journalist Maria Belaunde contributed to this report .
The state of emergency comes after weeks of protests against a gold mining project called Conga . At least 18 people were killed in protests last week . Critics say the project would damage the area 's ecosystem and would leave people without access to water . The mining company says an impact assessment was approved and included the destruction of communities .