13 Miners Killed in Violent Attack at Peru Gold Mine

Thirteen workers were discovered dead in a mining shaft operated by La Poderosa in Pataz, Peru, amid rising conflicts over gold access, prompting arrests and investigations into illegal activities surrounding the area.

The tragic discovery of 13 slain gold miners in an underground shaft in Pataz Province, Peru, has drawn national outrage and raised serious concerns about safety in the mining sector. The incident, confirmed by President Dina Boluarte on Monday, occurred at a site managed by La Poderosa, the country's largest gold-mining company, amidst growing tensions linked to illegal mining activities.

The bodies of the miners were found on Sunday, having reportedly worked for an artisanal mining operation under contract with La Poderosa. Recent spikes in gold prices have fueled a surge in small-scale mining, leading to fierce competition and deadly clashes among miners. The area has become notorious for illegal gold extraction, further complicating the landscape for legitimate operators.

A disturbing video circulating on social media appears to depict the miners blindfolded and in distress, executed by gunmen—an image that has shocked the communities and raised questions about the integrity of the mining environment. While authenticity of the video has yet to be verified by authorities, the national police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome killings.

In a statement, La Poderosa indicated that armed criminals had attacked their mining site and abducted the 13 workers on April 26. In connection with the crime, the police have arrested two individuals in the vicinity of Pataz, reportedly in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Calls for justice and enhanced security measures in mining regions are mounting, as the government seeks to address the alarming trends of violence and illegal activity within the industry.