Thirteen miners were found dead in a Peruvian gold mine after being kidnapped by a criminal gang during an attempted confrontation with illegal miners. The perpetrators sent threats to the victims' families before the devastating outcome was revealed, highlighting the surge in violence surrounding illegal mining in the country.
Tragic Kidnapping Incident in Peru Results in 13 Miners' Deaths
Tragic Kidnapping Incident in Peru Results in 13 Miners' Deaths
A horrific episode at a gold mine in Peru ends with the tragic discovery of 13 miners who were kidnapped and murdered.
Thirteen miners have been discovered dead in a gold mine in Peru following their kidnapping by a gang operating illegally in the area. The miners were employees of Poderosa, a mining company located in Pataz province, north of Lima. They had been dispatched to resolve conflicts with individuals involved in illicit mining activities when they were taken hostage by a criminal organization seeking control of the mine. The miners were held captive for a week in a mine shaft, during which the gang communicated threats to their families.
The rise in violence linked to illegal mining activities in Peru has increased alarmingly in recent years. In a statement released on Friday, Poderosa, which employs around 8,000 people, expressed discontent with law enforcement's inadequate response to the threats posed by illegal miners. "The climate of violence continues to escalate in the region," the company noted. Reports from Peruvian news outlet Diario Correo indicated the release of a disturbing video on social media, allegedly filmed by the kidnappers, showing the miners being executed at close range. The reasons behind this gruesome act remain unclear.
Since 2020, illegal mining operations have significantly impacted Poderosa's ability to function, forcing the company to cease some activities and putting both their employees and local artisanal miners in danger. Earlier this year, violent encounters between criminals and contractors at the mine resulted in the deaths of two individuals, and illegal miners even resorted to destructive actions, such as blowing up a power supply tower.
Poderosa has called upon the Peruvian government to reinforce order and combat the rampant illegal mining and organized crime operating without fear of punishment. With Peru being one of the leading gold producers globally, contributing over 100 tonnes yearly—approximately 4% of the world's supply—the rise in illegal operations poses both safety and economic threats to the region.
