Peru Suspends Gold Mining for 30 Days After 13 Workers Killed

Peru's President Dina Boluarte has suspended gold mining for 30 days and imposed a night-time curfew in the northern province of Pataz after 13 gold mine workers, employed by a subcontractor for the La Poderosa company, were kidnapped and killed by criminal gangs linked to illegal mining. The government plans to deploy armed forces and establish a military base in the region, with the possibility of extending the mining suspension. The murders highlight a surge in violence associated with illegal mining, which has become Peru's most profitable criminal enterprise and has led to dozens of deaths in recent years. Despite a state of emergency and increased police presence, violence and insecurity in Pataz have escalated, with La Poderosa and other stakeholders criticizing the government's response as insufficient. The government is also considering new legislation against urban terrorism and has sent top officials to coordinate further security measures. The situation has sparked public outrage and calls for a revised strategy to combat organized crime and protect legal mining operations.