Peru launches military operation against illegal gold mining in Amazon

The Peruvian military has launched an intensified campaign, dubbed Operation Mercury 2, to combat illegal gold mining within the Amazon rainforest. Using helicopters and various military branches, authorities conducted raids on mining camps located along the Malinowski River and within the Tambopata National Park in the Madre de Dios region.

During the operations, troops encountered makeshift settlements that included bars, restaurants, and sites accused of sex trafficking. As military personnel approached, many miners fled into the jungle. Officials utilized explosives to destroy large-scale equipment, boats, and campsites to prevent further extraction.

Illegal mining has caused significant environmental damage, including the contamination of waterways with mercury and the creation of large, chemically-filled pits. The surge in mining activity is driven by a global rise in gold prices, which have increased significantly since the previous major operation in 2019. The activity threatens biodiversity and the health of Indigenous communities that rely on the local ecosystem.