The Peruvian government has suspended gold mining operations in the northern province of Pataz for 30 days, following the discovery of 13 murdered security personnel in a mine tunnel, President Dina Boluarte announced Monday.
The victims, employed by a subcontractor of the prominent gold mining firm Compañía Minera Poderosa S.A. (Poderosa), had been held captive for more than a week before their bodies were recovered by police on Sunday.
In response to the attack, the government will also impose an overnight curfew in the region and establish a new military base in Pataz, located approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) north of Lima.
Illegal Mining, Violence Prompt Government Crackdown
President Boluarte said the Peruvian armed forces would take control of the mining zone where Poderosa operates, citing the growing influence and violence of illegal mining groups.
“We all know that illegal activity in our mining sector generates millions and millions—much more than drug trafficking,” Boluarte said, labeling the methods used by such groups as “urban terrorism.”
The president also said her administration would seek new legislative powers from Congress to intensify efforts against criminal operations in the mining sector. However, she did not elaborate on how the temporary suspension of mining activities would be enforced.
Security Crisis Despite Prolonged State of Emergency
Poderosa, one of Peru’s leading gold producers, has reported escalating violence in recent years. According to the company, 39 of its workers—including contractors and artisanal miners—have been killed in the Pataz region by gangs linked to illegal mining, despite the area being under a state of emergency for more than two years.
The company told Reuters that the newly announced mining suspension applies only to informal mining operations and does not affect Poderosa’s formal production.
Jorge Montoro, Peru’s Minister of Energy and Mines, stated that the 30-day suspension could be extended, depending on security assessments in the region.
Peru is one of the world’s top gold producers, but the industry has long struggled with illegal mining, which often fuels organized crime, environmental degradation, and local conflicts.
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