Peru extends state of emergency in mining province where 13 workers were murdered

Peru has extended the state of emergency in the northern province of Pataz for an additional 60 days following the brutal murder of 13 gold mine workers. The victims, employed by a security contractor for the mining company La Poderosa, were abducted and executed by the criminal group "Los Parqueros."

This incident has intensified concerns over the escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities in the region. In response, the government has authorized the resumption of formal mining operations under the REINFO program, which aims to formalize artisanal mining.

These activities will be permitted between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., with operations limited to registered companies and miners. Defense Minister Walter Astudillo emphasized that mining is vital to the local economy and that the extension of the state of emergency empowers the armed forces to maintain order.