Poderosa mine in Peru attacked, two workers injured

Unidentified attackers threw a backpack containing explosives over the perimeter wall of the Santa María administrative offices of Compañía Minera Poderosa in Pataz, La Libertad, Peru. The blast caused auditory injuries to two contract workers, who were taken to Trujillo for specialized medical care. Significant damage was inflicted on several administrative facilities.

Poderosa activated emergency contingency protocols, reinforced security measures, and is cooperating with authorities to investigate and capture the perpetrators. The mining sector organization SNMPE condemned the incident, labeling it a terrorist act linked to illegal‑mining violence, and called on the government to strengthen security in the region.

The incident highlights ongoing threats to formal mining operations in areas plagued by illegal mining activities.