UPDATE 1-Peru community holds miners hostage for sixth day

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LIMA, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Four employees of Minera Afrodita and two people who were traveling with them in northern Peru were held hostage for the sixth day on Tuesday, taken by protesters upset over mining development, the company said.

The group, which includes two administrative workers, two security guards, their boat captain and his helper, was seized on Thursday in the remote town of Huampani. The company said its workers were there to invite local leaders to a meeting to talk about mining projects.

Conflicts between companies and communities, which worry about the social and environmental impact of mining, are common in Peru, a major metals producer.

"When they showed up in Huampani to deliver the invitation ... they were kidnapped," said Carlos Ballon, director at Minera Afrodita.

Afrodita has mining concessions near Peru's northern border, where it is looking for gold. A small Canadian miner, Dorato Resources (DRI.V), has the rights to buy up to 100 percent of the company's shares.

Peru's mining and energy ministry has said it would send a commission to the area to discuss the community's demands, but not before the hostages are let go.

Local leaders say the hostages will be released when a government group arrives to access what they claim is the environmental damage done by the miner.

Indigenous groups accuse the company of engaging in exploration activity, which would require community consent. The company says it is not exploring, just prospecting.