Thirteen Miners Found Dead, Authorities Launch Investigation

Dimly lit mine shaft with rail carts and tracks.

Thirteen security guards at Peru’s largest gold mine were found executed after being kidnapped by armed criminals, highlighting escalating violence in a region where illegal mining has operated with impunity despite government intervention.

Key Insights

Thirteen workers from La Poderosa gold mine in Peru’s Pataz province were kidnapped and later found dead in an underground shaft.
The killings occurred amid growing conflict between legal mining operations and criminal gangs connected to illegal mining activities in the region.
Despite a declared state of emergency and significant police presence, violence has continued to escalate, with 39 workers reportedly killed.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings, found with guns and ammunition.
Peru’s Interior Ministry has deployed special police forces to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Attack at Peru’s Largest Gold Producer

The bodies of thirteen security guards were discovered in an underground shaft at a mine operated by La Poderosa, Peru’s largest gold mining company. According to reports, the workers were initially kidnapped after being sent to confront illegal miners in the Pataz province, a region that has become a hotspot for mining-related violence. The victims worked for an informal mining operation contracted by La Poderosa, adding complexity to the situation that has shocked the country and drawn international attention to safety concerns in Peru’s mining sector.

La Poderosa claims armed criminals attacked the mining operation, abducting the workers who were later found dead. A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the miners being executed, though authorities have not yet verified its authenticity. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between legal mining operations and criminal organizations seeking control of lucrative gold mining territories in northern Peru.

Thirteen miners have been found dead inside a #mine in Peru after being kidnapped several days earlier.https://t.co/uNTEUIqzx7 pic.twitter.com/Kjkl3MILO3

— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) May 5, 2025

Growing Violence Despite Government Intervention

This attack is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting mining operations in the region. According to company statements, the climate of danger has been escalating despite government efforts to maintain order. “The spiral of uncontrolled violence in Pataz is occurring despite the declaration of a state of emergency and the presence of a large police contingent which, unfortunately, has not been able to halt the deterioration of security conditions in the area,” stated the mining company.

La Poderosa reports that 39 workers have been killed due to criminal groups fighting for control of mining operations in Pataz. In December 2023, the same mine was attacked with explosives by illegal miners, resulting in nine deaths and 15 injuries. The company has been forced to abandon some operations since 2020 due to ongoing threats and violence, despite being a significant contributor to Peru’s status as a major gold producer responsible for over 4% of the world’s annual supply.

Law Enforcement Response and Economic Impact

Following the discovery of the bodies, Peru’s Interior Ministry announced the deployment of special police forces to “locate and capture those responsible for these heinous crimes.” Two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killings, reportedly found with firearms and ammunition. The government’s response comes amid criticism from La Poderosa, which has repeatedly called for stronger action against illegal mining operations that operate with what they describe as “absolute impunity” in the region.

Mining represents a crucial economic sector for Peru, which stands as a leading producer of gold and copper in Latin America. However, the industry faces growing challenges from organized crime and illegal mining operations, particularly in the northern regions where reports of extortion have increased significantly. The violence threatens not only human lives but also Peru’s economic stability and international standing in the global minerals market.