In a devastating event that underscores the dangers of illegal mining, thirteen miners were found dead inside a gold mine in Peru after enduring days of captivity at the hands of a criminal gang. The miners were working for Poderosa, a mining company located in Pataz province, north of Lima, when they were taken hostage. Their abduction reportedly followed their attempt to confront individuals involved in illegal mining operations encroaching on the mine.
For an entire week, families of the kidnapped miners received alarming messages from the gang, signaling the gravity of their situation. Tragically, reports indicate that a video circulating on social media allegedly recorded by the captors shows the miners being executed at point-blank range, although the motivations behind this brutal act remain uncertain.
Poderosa, which employs approximately 8,000 people, expressed dismay over the apparent inadequacy of law enforcement in combating illegal mining, stating that the region's climate of violence is intensifying. The company emphasized that illegal activities have disrupted their operations since 2020, prompting them to abandon some sites and placing the safety of all individuals—workers and artisanal miners alike—at significant risk.
This incident is not isolated; earlier in March, violence escalated as criminals allied with illegal miners attacked contractors, resulting in two fatalities. The company highlighted a troubling trend where maximum disruption occurred, including the destruction of critical infrastructure and attempts to overtake mining sites. Poderosa accused both the police and military of failing to restore order or effectively combat the unchecked rise of organized crime and illegal mining in the area.
As one of the world's leading gold producers, Peru generates over 100 tonnes of gold annually, accounting for nearly 4% of global supply. The rising violence in this sector is causing significant concern not only for the safety of workers but also for the country’s broader economic health and social stability as illegal operations continue to thrive amidst weak enforcement.
