Peru Declares Curfew and Deploys Military After Brutal Mining Massacre

In the wake of a massacre of 13 miners, Peru imposes a nighttime curfew and extends military intervention in the Andean district of Pataz. President Dina Boluarte announced these measures amid growing national concern over illegal mining-related violence. The mining company Poderosa has criticized government inaction on these issues, urging a reassessment of security strategies.

In response to the recent murder of 13 security workers at the Poderosa gold mine, the Peruvian government has taken drastic action by imposing a nighttime curfew and deploying military forces to the remote Andean district of Pataz. President Dina Boluarte announced these measures on Monday, as public outrage continues to grow over escalating violence associated with illegal mining operations across the country.

The tragedy has sparked profound concern nationwide, particularly from business leaders. The Confederation of Private Business Institutions (Confiep), a prominent business organization in Peru, condemned the massacre, deeming it indicative of the state’s failure to maintain security not just in Pataz, but broadly throughout the nation. The group’s statement evoked memories of the violent past during Peru’s internal armed conflict, which left approximately 69,000 people dead from 1980 to 2000.

The economic landscape in Pataz has been further complicated by statements from Interior Minister Julio Díaz Zulueta. He confirmed that authorities had conducted searches for five days following the abduction of the workers on April 25, contradicting earlier comments made by Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén questioning whether a kidnapping had indeed occurred. Despite this, family members of the victims had raised alarms long before the bodies were discovered.

Díaz reported that police have been actively dismantling illegal mine shafts in the region, with 20 out of 30 identified shafts taken down. However, many remain under criminal control, prompting the minister to express optimism for future progress in addressing the issues in Pataz. He is set to appear before Congress to respond to inquiries about the deteriorating security situation, while motions to censure cabinet members have already surfaced due to the crisis.

The mining company, Compañía Minera Poderosa, corroborated the number of deceased and has accused organized crime groups associated with illegal mining for the brutal attack. In their statement, the company depicted Pataz as a “lawless territory,” where violence prevails with little to no accountability, urging the government to reassess its security measures.

Moreover, Poderosa criticized authorities for their lack of action in relation to illegal tunnels, which they claim have been pinpointed but remain untouched. The firm also called out the Ministry of Energy and Mines for ignoring pleas to exclude illegal miners from concessions and for the inadequate management of the formalization registry (REINFO) — a system they have labeled a failure. Locally, the violence has escalated; recently, an ambush on another mining camp left eight injured, including two police officers.

Illegal mining activities are rampant throughout Peru, extending from coastal regions to the highlands and the jungle. The National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE) estimates that this illegal industry could be costing Peru about $7 billion annually. In regions like Puno and Madre de Dios, the toll of illegal mining is particularly stark, with vast areas of jungle devastated and communities suffering from human and drug trafficking, amidst an alarming lack of governmental oversight.

The situation in Pataz highlights a grave security crisis linked to illegal mining activities in Peru. With public and business leaders alike decrying the violence, the government has imposed strict measures, yet questions remain about the effectiveness of existing policies. Both victims’ families and mining firms are calling for more decisive action from the authorities to combat crime and restore order in the region. The challenge ahead is substantial, as Peru grapples with the deep-rooted issues of illegal mining that severely impact public safety and the economy.

Original Source: efe.com