Thirteen miners have been tragically killed following their kidnapping at a gold mine in Peru, sparking outrage and fears over the escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities. The miners, employed by Poderosa, a prominent Peruvian mining company located in Pataz province, were sent to confront a gang involved in unlawful mining practices when they were abducted by criminal elements aiming to seize control of the mine. They were held hostage in a mine shaft, where for a week, their captors sent alarming threats to their families.
According to recent reports from Peruvian news outlet Diario Correo, a shocking video circulating on social media purportedly shows the miners being executed at close range, though the exact motivations for the killings remain unclear. This incident marks a grim continuation of the rising trend of violence in Peru's mining sector, which has seen criminal gangs increasingly attacking operations to expand their control.
Poderosa's management expressed disappointment over the police's efforts to combat illegal mining, underscoring that the ongoing climate of violence endangers the safety of both their employees and artisanal miners. The company has faced numerous challenges since 2020, including assaults on contractors that resulted in fatalities, as well as sabotage aimed at disrupting operations, such as the recent explosion of a high-voltage tower.
In light of these persistent threats, Poderosa has called for government intervention to restore order and highlighted the alarming situation in which these criminal enterprises operate with "absolute impunity." It’s important to note that Peru ranks among the world’s top gold producers, contributing over 100 tonnes to the global market annually, equating to about 4% of total gold supply.
