The state of emergency comes after weeks of protests against a gold mining project called Conga . The decision came as union leaders refused to stop ongoing protests , Andina reported . 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 .
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 .