Panama and Bolivia crack down on illegal mining, sentencing and seizure

In Panama, a court sentenced four individuals to 48 months in prison for illegal mining in the Río Negro sector of Herrera province. The convictions were based on evidence presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, citing severe damage to the local ecosystem and degradation of an aquifer.

In Bolivia, police and armed forces seized more than two tons (2.05 tonnes) of illegally mined material in Huanuni on 18 June 2026 and arrested five people. The operation, coordinated by the Ministry of Public Affairs, resulted in the confiscation of 40 full sacks and 11 partial sacks of mineral material and the seizure of a white vehicle used to transport the ore. The case has been referred to the public prosecutor for further investigation.