Tragic Kidnapping in Peru Gold Mine Claims 13 Lives

In a shocking incident, thirteen miners have been discovered dead in a gold mine in Peru, following a kidnapping ordeal that lasted several days. The victims were employees of Poderosa, a mining company operating in Pataz province, located north of Lima. These miners were dispatched to address illegal mining activities when they were seized by a criminal organization attempting to take control of the mine. Held hostage within a mine shaft, they endured a week of threats directed at their families. A distressing rise in attacks on mining operations has been reported across Peru in recent years.

On Friday, Poderosa expressed its discontent with law enforcement's failure to curb illegal mining, noting the escalating climate of violence in the region. Reports from the local news source Diario Correo revealed a disturbing video that allegedly shows the miners being executed by their captors. The motivation behind their murder remains uncertain. Since 2020, illegal mining has increasingly threatened the operations of Poderosa, leading to the abandonment of several mines to protect both employees and artisanal miners. In March alone, two contractors were killed following an attack by criminals associated with illegal miners, and similar threats have been made against infrastructure supporting mining activities.

Poderosa has urged the police and government to reclaim control from organized crime, asserting that illegal mining operations continue with impunity. Peru stands as one of the world's top gold producers, contributing over 100 tonnes or 4% of the global annual supply.