In brief
An unlicensed gold mine near Policarpa, in Nariño province, was hit by a landslide following an explosion that trapped workers underground. Local officials confirmed at least 13 fatalities and 7 injuries, with emergency crews retrieving bodies with digger assistance. The tragedy highlighted the ongoing dangers of artisanal mining in Colombia, where an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 people rely on informal mining for livelihood. Among the dead were members of a single indigenous family, illustrating the deep impact on local communities.
Local officials report that an unlicensed gold mine located near Policarpa in southern Colombia suffered a landslide after an explosion, leaving at least 13 workers dead and 7 injured. Emergency responders and nearby residents worked together using excavators to retrieve the bodies from the collapsed site.
The incident underscores the precarious conditions under which many Colombian miners operate. Artisanal mining, which engages an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 people across the country, often lacks official oversight, exposing workers to significant safety risks.
Witnesses noted that four of the victims were members of a single indigenous family, and the community of the Quillacinga people, who regularly work in the mine, mourn their loss. The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of informal mining communities and calls attention to the need for safer mining practices and regulatory oversight.
