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Peru detects illegal mining in Mollaque archaeological landscape
Authorities in Peru have detected illegal mining activities within the Mollaque archaeological landscape in the Palpa province. A joint inspection involving the Ministry of Culture, the Public Ministry, and the National Police identified shafts, work equipment, and structures built with mats, all allegedly linked to unauthorized mining operations. The Mollaque site is part of the Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs Archaeological Reserve, a protected area containing numerous pre-Hispanic artifacts.
In a separate report regarding heritage protection, the Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Arequipa stated that 105 alerts of damage to cultural heritage were recorded through August 19, 2026. These incidents include 61 attacks on archaeological monuments and 44 unauthorized interventions in historical buildings. Common causes of damage include the construction of roads and urban expansion into archaeological zones.
Entities
Arequipa · Harold Loli · Ministry of Culture · Mollaque Archaeological Landscape · National Police of Peru
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Illegal mining activities were detected in the Mollaque archaeological landscape in Palpa. diariolaopinion.pe
- [DISPUTED] Arequipa recorded 105 alerts regarding damage to cultural heritage sites through August 19, 2026. diariocorreo.pe
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A joint inspection was conducted by the Ministry of Culture, the Public Ministry, and the National Police in Palpa. diariolaopinion.pe
- [DISPUTED] Of the 105 alerts in Arequipa, 61 involved archaeological monuments and 44 involved historical buildings. diariocorreo.pe