Peru suspends Pataz mining after 13 workers killed by illegal miners

Peru to impose curfew and send military to Pataz following deadly attack blamed on illegal mining gangs.

People gather beside a hearse carrying the body of Frank Jesus Monzon Valeriano, a 24-year-old mine worker from Trujillo, who was kidnapped and killed by illegal miners while working at a small mine linked to gold mining company Poderosa, outside the local morgue in Trujillo, Peru, on May 5, 2025. Photo by Sebastian Castaneda/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Peru has suspended all mining operations in the northern district of Pataz for 30 days following the kidnapping and murder of 13 workers by illegal miners, President Dina Boluarte announced on Monday. The bold move comes amid growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the mineral-rich region and the spread of criminal mining gangs.

The suspension, which may be extended depending on the evolving threat, is a direct response to the most recent violence that targeted workers subcontracted to mining company Poderosa. Alongside the suspension of mining in the area, the Peruvian government will deploy military forces to Pataz and impose a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining operations and criminal activity.

“The armed forces will take control of the area where Poderosa operates,” said President Boluarte during her announcement, signaling a tougher stance from the government. However, specific details regarding how the 30-day mining pause will be implemented or enforced were not disclosed, leaving room for interpretation and concern among mining companies and local residents alike.

The decision to suspend mining in Pataz was triggered by the grim discovery of 13 bodies of workers employed by R&R, a company that held a mining services contract with Poderosa. According to police sources and the company, the workers had been kidnapped weeks earlier and were killed by groups tied to illegal mining gangs operating in the area.

Poderosa, which is listed on the Lima Stock Exchange, said it had cooperated with law enforcement to recover the victims' bodies and blamed the incident on the growing influence of armed criminal groups in the region. The company also called for a clear distinction between formal and informal miners to avoid blanket restrictions on legal operators.

“We're clarifying the issue,” said Poderosa’s corporate affairs manager in an interview with Reuters. He emphasized that the mining suspension should only target informal or illegal miners, not those operating under government-approved contracts.

Rise of illegal mining in Peru’s north

While Peru is best known as the world's third-largest copper producer, most of its copper deposits are located in the southern Andes. The northern region of Pataz, however, is a significant source of gold and silver. Over the past several years, this area has witnessed a surge in illegal mining, which has brought with it violence, corruption, and environmental degradation.

Poderosa has repeatedly raised alarms about the growing threat posed by criminal mining networks. The company estimates that nearly 40 individuals, including its contractors and artisanal miners, have been killed in the past two years by these groups. Despite the state of emergency declared in the region, which included increased police and military presence, attacks have continued, underscoring the challenge the government faces in regaining control.

Since 2020, large portions of land and mining tunnels once controlled by Poderosa have reportedly been overtaken by illegal miners. These groups often operate with impunity, backed by armed enforcers and illicit financing networks. In many cases, the authorities have been unable—or unwilling—to respond effectively to the growing lawlessness.

Peru's mining and energy minister, Jorge Montoro, has said that the initial 30-day mining pause in Pataz could be extended depending on conditions on the ground. “We are evaluating the long-term security and governance needs in Pataz,” Montoro told reporters. “The safety of workers and the restoration of law and order are our top priorities.”

In addition to deploying troops, the government is planning to build a permanent military base in the district to bolster long-term security. The curfew, which will be enforced immediately, is intended to disrupt the movements of armed groups and allow the military to carry out operations safely during night hours.

The Ministry of Defense has already begun mobilizing personnel and equipment to Pataz. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on sustained political will and coordination between security forces, mining companies, and local communities.

The news that Peru has suspended Pataz mining has sparked concern among domestic and international investors. Mining remains one of Peru’s most important economic sectors, contributing roughly 10% of the country’s GDP and generating billions in export revenue each year.

Although Pataz is not a major copper-producing district, its importance in gold mining and the symbolism of a full shutdown in the face of criminal violence has raised red flags. Investors are watching closely to see how the government balances its security concerns with the need to preserve investor confidence and the rule of law.

“There is a real risk that if the government does not act decisively and fairly, it will scare off investment and worsen the economic situation,” said one analyst at a Lima-based financial firm.

Still, others argue that Peru's decision to halt mining in Pataz may set a much-needed precedent in the fight against illegal mining. “This could mark a turning point if handled correctly,” said a consultant who advises South American governments on resource governance. “But it needs to be followed up with institutional reform, community engagement, and long-term planning.”

Calls for differentiation and regulation

One major concern voiced by mining firms like Poderosa is the lack of distinction between formal, informal, and illegal mining. While formal mining operations are registered and regulated, informal miners often operate in a legal gray area, and illegal miners function outside the law, often with links to organized crime.

Poderosa has urged the government to create more precise regulatory tools to separate informal miners who can be integrated into the legal system from criminal groups who use mining as a front for violence and money laundering.

“It’s critical not to punish everyone for the crimes of a few,” said a spokesperson for the company. “If legitimate mining is forced to stop, it only increases the power of illegal operators.”

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes crackdown. The Peruvian government has taken a bold first step by suspending Pataz mining, but much depends on the next phase of enforcement and reform.

With troops on the ground, a curfew in place, and an ongoing investigation into the 13 murders, the country’s fight against illegal mining has reached a pivotal moment. If the current measures lead to arrests, prosecutions, and restored order, it may embolden the government to replicate the model in other conflict zones.

However, if the violence continues or if the formal sector suffers long-term damage, Peru could face deeper instability in its vital mining regions.

For now, Peru has made its message clear: the era of unchecked illegal mining in Pataz must come to an end. Whether that message will resonate and result in lasting change remains to be seen.