Explainer
What is driving deadly gold mine collapses in southwest Colombia?
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Two mine collapses in Nariño, in southwest Colombia, hit Policarpa in August and Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé on Monday.
Policarpa and Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé
Local media say 13 people died in Policarpa. At Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, 14 people are confirmed dead, at a mine that operated without permits.
- Policarpa, August 202613 deaths
- Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, 19 October 2014 deaths
Gold has surpassed $5,000 an ounce this year, drawing many small operations. Many are unlicensed, some run by criminal groups, cartels or armed rebels. Local authorities say illegal gold now earns more than cocaine in the zone.
$5,000/oz
Gabriel Ocaña, who runs the department's disaster agency, tied the disaster to this trade. Unfortunately, the issue of illegal mining and these irregular practices generate episodes like this accident for us.
“Unfortunately, the issue of illegal mining and these irregular practices generate episodes like this accident for us.”
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The story
Gold mine collapse in Colombia kills at least 14 and injures sevenRead the article
Based on reports by
- The New York Times14 Dead After Gold Mine Collapses in Colombia
- SAPOColombia. Mine collapse leaves at least 14 dead
- ObservadorGold mine collapse leaves at least 14 dead in southwest Colombia
- El ConfidencialAt least 14 dead and seven injured after a landslide in a gold mine in Colombia
- Der TagesspiegelMine accident in Colombia: 14 workers die in collapse of a gold mine
- Deutsche WelleCollapse in illegal gold mine leaves 14 dead in Colombia