The
President of the Republic Dina Boluarte on Sunday reported that the
Peruvian National Police (PNP) has already taken control of the area around Poderosa mine operated by Poderosa Mining Corporation in Pataz (La Libertad region), following a violent attack with explosive charges.
As it has been reported so far, the attack killed nine workers and might have been perpetrated by illegal miners.
The Head of State affirmed that her Government is watching illegal mining with concern and is working on the formalization of those dedicated to said activity.
Moreover, she states that the damage illegal mining causes to the country is done not only due to the fact that those who participate in said illegal activity are armed, but also due to environmental factors.
Regarding the latter, the President explained that illegal miners operate in the headwaters of the basin, thus contaminating the water that communities often drink.
"We are very sorry for what has happened in Pataz, which has been caused by the scourge that of illegal mining. The National Police has already taken control of the area, and the Government is assessing options to formalize this illegal mining, which does so much damage to the country," the dignitary said in statements to the press.
Likewise, the top official underlined that her administration will pay attention to the Integral Register of Mining Formalization (REINFO) to determine if the illegal miners who attacked Poderosa mine had permits to operate.
According to information from the
Ministry of Interior (Mininter), a group of criminals entered the facilities of Poderosa Mining Corporation and detonated explosive charges in one of the shafts, thus leaving nine workers dead and 14 injured, who were taken to Trujillo.
(END) MRCA/RMB
Published: 12/3/2023