The Conga project is an expansion of the Yanacocha mine in Cajamarca and is located 73 kilometers from the city of Cajamarca.

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Walter Chvez Snchez was born in the city of Contumaz, in the department of Cajamarca in Peru and is 40 years old.

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"Using my constitutional powers, I introduce a state of emergency in the provinces of Cajamarca, Celendin, Hualgayoc and Contumaza, " President Humala said.

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Many of the environmental complaints, such as claims that the mine has polluted Cajamarca's drinking water with cyanide or mercury, look specious.

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For one of the most emblematic slices of Barranco life, take a stroll down Cajamarca street, the best place to see the full gamut of colourful houses.

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But Gregorio Santos, Cajamarca's regional president, has vowed to stop Conga.

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