The Andes
Pataz

Peru: emergency measures against illegal mining

The bodies of 13 security guards at a major Peruvian gold mine were found a week after the men were abducted from the site. Poderosa, the Peruvian company that owns and operates the mine in the northern province of Pataz, La Libertad region, confirmed the deaths after a police search-and-rescue unit recovered their bodies. Poderosa said the guards “were cruelly murdered by criminals allied with illegal mining.” In response, President Dina Boluarte has instated a curfew in Pataz province, and announced that the armed forces will take full control of the area around the mining concession. A new military base will be also established in the area. Boluarte additionally said that she will ask Congress for extraordinary powers to crack down on criminal networks, and have their activities defined as “terrorism.” (Photo: Comando Unificado Pataz via Mining.com)

The Andes

APEC summit: Peru moves closer to China

At the APEC the summit in Lima, China and Peru signed a series of bilateral agreements to advance "free trade" and cooperation in the mineral and resource sectors.

The Andes

Peru: government ultimatum to illegal miners

Peru's government has issued an "ultimatum" to small-scale miners, threatening to dynamite their equipment if they do not clear out of the remote areas where they operate.

The Andes

Peru: police ‘death squad’ leader absolved

A court in Trujillo, Peru, issued a ruling absolving former National Police colonel Elidio Espinoza, who was charged with running a secret "death squad" within the force.

The Andes

Peru: peasant leader killed in Cajamarca

Carlos Vásquez Becerra, a campesino leader who opposed mining projects in Peru’s conflicted Cajamarca region, was found beaten to death in a canyon.

The Andes

Peru: two dead in miners’ protest

A clash broke out as riot troops from Peru's National Police force evicted a group of informal miners from their encampment in northern La Libertad region, leaving two miners dead.

The Andes

Peru: mining company rejects Conga referendum

The Yanacocha mining company issued a statement warning that a consulta by local villagers on the Conga project could “place in danger all the mineral industry” of Peru.