Thirteen miners have tragically been confirmed dead in a Peruvian gold mine after they were kidnapped by a criminal gang several days earlier. These miners were employed by Poderosa, a mining company with operations based in Pataz province, situated north of Lima. Reports indicate that the miners were dispatched to confront individuals involved in illegal mining activities nearby when they were taken hostage. The gang's intention was to exert control over the mine's operations, highlighting the threat illegal mining poses within the region.
During their captivity, the miners' families received menacing communications from the kidnappers, who held the miners in a mine shaft for a harrowing week. A disturbing social media video surfaced, allegedly recorded by the abductors, showcasing the execution of the miners at close range. The motivations behind this brutal act remain unclear, but it underscores a growing trend of violence surrounding mining operations in Peru.
Mining company Poderosa, which employs around 8,000 workers, expressed disappointment with local policing efforts, arguing that not enough is being done to tackle the rampant illegal mining activities. In their statement, they noted a concerning rise in violence in the region, with a history of attacks against their operations. This year's events included the killing of two workers near La Ciénaga ravine and the destruction of vital infrastructure by illegal miners. The company reiterated that both organized crime and illegal mining are thriving with "absolute impunity," calling for stronger government intervention to restore order.
Peru is recognized as one of the globe's leading gold producers, generating over 100 tonnes annually, accounting for roughly 4% of global gold supply. The situation raises critical questions about the safety of legal miners and the devastating impact of unregulated mining practices on communities and resources alike.
