Background on the Situation
Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, has declared a curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM in the Pataz region following the brutal murder of 13 workers linked to a small mine associated with gold producer Poderosa by illegal miners. The victims were held captive for several days before their deaths.
Government Response and Measures
In response to this tragedy, President Boluarte ordered a 30-day suspension of all mining activities in Pataz province to prevent further fatalities. The Ministry of Energy and Mines indicated that this period might be extended.
Boluarte urged mining companies operating in Pataz to avoid subcontracting concessions, as this leads to a loss of control over who participates in mining activities. She emphasized, “There will be a firm hand against these criminals.”
Formal concessions such as Poderosa, Horizonte, Marsa, Santa Bárbara, and Caraveli have experienced violent incidents resulting in the deaths of numerous workers over time.
Industry Reactions
Julia Torreblanca, president of the National Society of Mining, Energy and Petroleum, stated that legal miners should not be penalized but rather those engaged in illegal activities. A Poderosa executive echoed this sentiment, asserting that the activity suspension should only affect informal miners.
Poderosa’s Statement
Poderosa, one of Peru’s largest gold producers, expressed deep sorrow over the 13 workers’ cruel murders by criminals allied with illegal mining. The company reminded everyone that the workers were kidnapped by “illegal miners colluding with criminal elements” on April 26.
The victims were employees of the small, artisanal R&R mine operating under Poderosa’s concession area in Pataz province.
National Mining Society’s Condemnation
The National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (Snmpe) condemned the crime and demanded that authorities identify and punish the perpetrators under full legal force.
Snmpe highlighted that such incidents demonstrate how illegal economies aim to intimidate Peruvian society and seize public and private properties, including formal mining concessions and operations.
The society also criticized the government for not yet approving a plan to combat illegal activities and, more importantly, its budget.
Poderosa reported that 39 people, including employees and artisanal miners, have been killed by criminal gangs controlling Pataz.
The company requested the government to reconsider its strategy against criminality, including police intervention in illegal mining sites where armed groups responsible for attacks hide and operate.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened in Pataz, Peru? Thirteen workers linked to a small mine associated with gold producer Poderosa were kidnapped and murdered by illegal miners.
- What measures has the Peruvian government taken? President Dina Boluarte imposed a curfew in Pataz and suspended all mining activities for 30 days to prevent further fatalities.
- How have mining companies and industry groups responded? Poderosa expressed sorrow, while the National Society of Mining condemned the crime and called for stricter government action against illegal mining activities.
- What is the significance of this event? This incident underscores the challenges faced by legal mining operations in Peru due to illegal activities and associated violence.
