Tragic Mine Collapse in Southern Peru Claims Seven Lives

A tragic accident occurred at the Sapo de Oro mining project in the Ananea district, southern Puno department, Peru, resulting in the death of seven miners. The incident happened on December 21, 2023, inside the La Rinconada mine, a gold mining enclave located over 5,000 meters above sea level in the province of San Antonio de Putina.

The local police suggest it was a workplace accident where a detachment inside the mine led to the miners being crushed, as indicated by the fractures on their bodies. A fellow miner discovered the victims 1,500 meters deep inside the mine and transported the bodies to the surface.

The event was reported to the police, who arrived at the Lago de Oro mine and, along with prosecutor Nimer Bautista Quilla, confirmed the deaths. The Office of Criminalistics from the police carried out the removal of the bodies to the local morgue. An investigation into the incident is underway by the prosecutor’s office.