Thu Jan 01 20:44:50 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:
Summary:
An attack on an informal mine in northern Peru on New Year’s Eve has left at least three people dead and seven missing, with officials fearing the death toll could rise. The incident occurred near Vijus, La Libertad, a region known for both legal and illegal gold mining. Conflicts are common as criminal groups compete for control of these informal operations. Authorities have launched an investigation and arrested two people. This incident follows a similar one last May where 13 miners were killed, leading to a crackdown on mining activity. The area is rife with informal mining despite government efforts to formalize the industry.
News Article:
New Year’s Eve Attack at Peruvian Mine Leaves Multiple Dead, Missing
VIJUS, PERU – A deadly attack struck an informal gold mine in northern Peru on New Year’s Eve, leaving at least three people dead and seven missing, according to local officials. The incident occurred near the town of Vijus in the La Libertad region, a known hotspot for conflicts related to illegal mining operations.
Pataz Mayor Aldo Marino told Peruvian news outlet Canal N that the attack took place just before midnight. “According to information I received from the police, three people were killed at a mine entrance, and seven are missing,” he said, adding that the final death toll could reach as high as 15.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, and two individuals have been arrested. Reuters reported that prosecutors recovered 11 shell casings from the scene. Mining company Poderosa stated that their security personnel heard the gunfire and discovered the bodies.
The attack highlights the ongoing struggle for control over the region’s rich gold deposits, with criminal groups frequently vying for dominance in informal mining. This is not an isolated incident; a similar attack in May resulted in the deaths of 13 miners, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend mining activities and impose a nighttime curfew.
Peru’s gold exports totaled $15.5 billion in 2024. A significant portion, an estimated 40%, originates from illicit sources. While the government has attempted to formalize the sector, suspending permits for around 50,000 small-scale miners last July, informal operations remain prevalent, contributing to the ongoing violence and instability in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and officials fear the death toll may rise.
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