Chumbivilcas authorities destroy illegal mining machinery in Cusco

Authorities conducted an interdiction operation against illegal mining activities in Choccoyo, within the Colquemarca district of Chumbivilcas, Cusco. During the intervention, police destroyed heavy machinery, mineral washing stations, and leaching ponds used for unauthorized processing.

Illegal mining in the area has expanded since 2022, focusing on the extraction of gold and copper through tunnels and open-pit operations. Many miners involved previously worked in other regions such as Puno, Arequipa, and Madre de Dios. The activity has also been observed along the route to Santo Tomás, a corridor used by major companies like Las Bambas to transport minerals to the port of Matarani.