Peru's mining industry is facing escalating violence as criminal gangs target mines for control and profits. After being sent to confront illegal miners, 13 employees of Poderosa were kidnapped and held hostage for days, with their families receiving threatening communications throughout the ordeal. Tragically, reports indicate that the group was executed by their captors in a shocking act of brutality.

Poderosa, which has nearly 8,000 employees, lamented the police's insufficient action against illegal mining and the threats it poses to their workforce and operations. Incidents of violence against contractors and vandalism of infrastructure have increased, illustrating a climate of lawlessness that impedes mining activities. The company is urging governmental intervention to restore order and address the unchecked violence impacting the industry.

As one of the world's largest gold producers, Peru's mining sector is vital to its economy, generating over 100 tonnes of gold annually. However, the rising threat from organized crime and illegal miners is creating a perilous environment for legal operations, complicating the safety of workers and undermining the industry as a whole. The grim fate of these 13 miners is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those in the mining sector amid rampant illegal activities.