The Peruvian community insists on closing the mines despite the change of the government's position.

Local leaders say communities in the Peruvian city of Ayakujo say they will resume protests against the mining industry if left-wing President Pedro Castillo violates the mine closure agreement they signed.

Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez said last week that the government would not approve the extension of four mines because of environmental concerns in the local community. On Wednesday, authorities softened their public position, saying the mines could seek permission to extend their operations.

In July, President Pedro Castillo came to power with the support of poor communities that said the mines deprived them of adequate water supplies, and Castillo promised them greater benefits.

The communities launched a wave of protests this month and said on Thursday that they would continue to protest unless the government insisted on the closure plan.

"the mine already has a plan to close down, and we hope it will be implemented," said Julio Guillermo Gutierrez, leader of Parinacochas People's Defense Front, one of the anti-mine groups.

"if the mining companies want, they can ask for an extension of their business. But that's not what we want, "Gutierrez said in a telephone conversation.

He said the local protests were only suspended and would continue if necessary.

Che Bernaola, a representative of the Ayacucho Sur Fighting committee, said the committee would ask for an order to close the mine.

"if the government does not abide by the signed agreement, we will launch a protest that has been suspended," he said. " Ayakucho and most voters in other mining areas voted for Castillo. "I suspect they will betray us now."

On Wednesday, he published a letter calling on the region to join in protecting land and water resources. He said the land and water resources had been "poisoned" by mining.

These companies say they comply with environmental standards and that their operations do not pollute water sources.

One of them is the operator of the flagship project of the London-listed Hochschild Mining,Inmaculada Silver Mine.

The threat of closure caused the company's share price to fall by more than half before rebounding this week. The shares rose strongly on Thursday after the government changed its tone.

Hochschild said on Thursday that the Inmaculada mine and another mine in the Ayakucho region of Peru would continue to operate within the existing framework.

Peru is the world's second largest producer of copper and silver.

According to its law, all mines have a planned closure date, which can be modified if allowed by regulators. The government says the four mines in question will be closed from this year to 2025.