About 1,000 Peruvian peasants have marched to the capital, Lima, to demand government action against what they say is the contamination or seizure of land by large mining companies.

A spokesman for the peasants said they did not oppose mining development, but wanted to ensure that local communities were consulted before projects went ahead.

He accused the government of not being interested in solving the contamination problems caused by mining companies.

A government official said the protesters' demands would be considered.

Mining forms a key part of Peru's economy; the country ranks among the top 10 global producers of copper and gold.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service