Thirteen Kidnapped Found Dead in Northern Mine
- PATAZ, Peru (AP) — The bodies of 13 security guards, employees of a service provider for the Poderosa mining company, were discovered May 4 near a gold mine...
- Poderosa mining company confirmed the revelation at its facilities in a statement.
- The victims were contracted by poderosa, a gold extraction company listed on the lima Stock Exchange.
13 Security Guards found Dead at Peruvian Gold Mine Amid Illegal Mining Surge
PATAZ, Peru (AP) — The bodies of 13 security guards, employees of a service provider for the Poderosa mining company, were discovered May 4 near a gold mine in northern Peru, days after they were reported missing. Poderosa, a major gold extraction company, has been increasingly targeted by armed groups involved in illegal gold mining.
Poderosa mining company confirmed the revelation at its facilities in a statement. “This morning, after intense research work, the police rescue team was able to recover the bodies of the 13 workers who had been kidnapped (…) by illegal minors in collusion with criminal elements,” the company stated.
“Spiral of Uncontrolled Violence” Grips Gold Mining Region
The victims were contracted by poderosa, a gold extraction company listed on the lima Stock Exchange. The region of Pataz, approximately 900 kilometers from lima, the capital, is under a state of emergency due to escalating violence fueled by a gold rush. Poderosa reports that ”There are already 39 artisanal employees and minors killed by criminal bands who have taken control” of the city.
The mining company issued an “urgent call” for the government to re-evaluate its strategy, stating, “The spiral of uncontrolled violence in Pataz occurs despite the state of emergency and the presence of a large police quota which, unluckily, has not been able to stop the deterioration of safety conditions in the region.”
Families Demand justice
In Trujillo, west of Pataz, relatives of the victims gathered, awaiting the arrival of the bodies at the morgue. Abraham Domínguez, father of Alexander Domínguez, whose body was recovered from the mine, told Canal N television, “We want justice to be done, that it does not stop there.”
Mayor Seeks Presidential Intervention
Aldo Carlos, the mayor of Pataz, plans to meet with President Dina Boluarte to discuss solutions to the growing insecurity. “What’s going on in my city hurts… If they put me in prison or kill me, the sole manager will be the central government,” he said.
Illegal Gold mining Fuels Crime Wave
Peru’s financial intelligence unit identified $8.241 billion in transactions suspected of originating from illegal mining between 2013 and 2023. the country is currently grappling with a surge in extortion and violent crime, prompting authorities to declare states of emergency in several regions.
The surge in illegal gold mining is not unique to Peru. A 2024 report by InSight Crime indicated that 44% of Peru’s gold exports originate from illegal mining. The problem is even more pronounced in Colombia and Bolivia, where the figures rise to 85% and 50% respectively.
Global Health NOW reported in April 2025 that illegal gold exports from Peru grew to $6.8 billion in 2024, a 41% increase over 2023, as gold prices top $3,000 per ounce. The illegal mining boom requires a massive influx of workers and large amounts of mercury, which is used to extract gold.
Illegal Gold mining in Peru: A Q&A
What happened at the Peruvian gold mine in Pataz?
thirteen security guards were found dead near a gold mine in northern Peru on May 4, after being reported missing. the victims were employees of a service provider for the Poderosa mining company.
Why is there violence in the Pataz region?
The Pataz region is experiencing escalating violence due to a “gold rush” and illegal gold mining. The area is under a state of emergency.
What is the “spiral of uncontrolled violence” mentioned in the article?
Poderosa reports that “There are already 39 artisanal employees and minors killed by criminal bands who have taken control” of the city. The company reported the ongoing violence despite the state of emergency and police presence.
What is Poderosa, and why is it being targeted?
Poderosa is a major gold extraction company listed on the Lima Stock Exchange. It has been increasingly targeted by armed groups involved in illegal gold mining.
what are the families of the victims demanding?
The families of the victims wont justice to be done. Abraham Domínguez,father of one of the deceased,stated,”We want justice to be done,that it does not stop there.”
What is the mayor of Pataz doing about the situation?
Aldo Carlos, the mayor of Pataz, plans to meet with President Dina Boluarte to discuss solutions to the growing insecurity in his city.
What role does illegal gold mining play in the violence?
Illegal gold mining fuels a crime wave marked by extortion and violent crime.
How extensive is illegal gold mining in Peru?
A significant portion of Peru’s gold exports originate from illegal mining, contributing billions of dollars in untraceable transactions.
How much money is involved?
Peru’s financial intelligence unit identified $8.241 billion in transactions suspected of originating from illegal mining between 2013 and 2023. In 2024, illegal gold exports from Peru grew to $6.8 billion.
How does Peru compare to other countries in illegal gold mining?
The problem is even more pronounced in Colombia and Bolivia than in Peru.
How does mercury relate to this illegal mining?
The illegal mining boom requires large amounts of mercury, which is used to extract gold.
Key Data on Illegal Gold Mining
Here’s a concise look at some key data from the provided data:
| Contry | Percentage of Gold Exports from Illegal Mining (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Peru | 44% (2024 Report) |
| Colombia | 85% |
| Bolivia | 50% |