The tragedy in an artisanal gold mine with 12 dead and 4 injured in Policarpa left in doubt the controls to the mining activity in Nariño

Authorities in Nariño have condemned the recent collapse at an illegal gold mine in Policarpa, which killed twelve people and injured four others. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, around 5 p.m., in the rural area of Puerto Rico, near the municipality of Policarpa. The mine, located just 11 kilometers from the urban center and operating openly, was already known to authorities as illegal. Despite repeated warnings, the mine continued its operations, leading to this tragic outcome. The mine, which has been identified as a source of livelihood for many local families, collapsed due to structural instability. According to officials, the collapse was not caused by an explosion, as some residents had initially suggested. Instead, the failure was attributed to the excavation work carried out by machinery such as a backhoe, which weakened the slope and led to its sudden collapse. This resulted in the tragic loss of life and injuries among workers who were inside the site at the time. Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and emphasized the need for stricter oversight of mining activities in the region. He stated that the mine in question operated illegally and that there was a lack of proper permits and environmental safeguards. Escobar noted that since the beginning of his administration, efforts have been made to promote responsible mining practices, both environmentally and socially. However, he acknowledged that these measures have not yet been fully realized. Secretary of Government Fredy Gámez echoed similar sentiments, describing the tragedy as very serious. He highlighted the informal nature of the mining activity, noting that many individuals rely on it for their income, especially in areas where traditional agriculture or coca cultivation face challenges. Gámez stressed that while the economic necessity of such activities is understood, they must be conducted within legal frameworks to ensure safety and sustainability. He also dismissed rumors circulating among locals that the mine suffered a powerful explosion. Gámez clarified that the collapse was due to the physical conditions created by ongoing excavation, rather than an explosive event. He called for greater enforcement of regulations and urged the closure of mines that operate without the necessary permissions or legal documentation. Local authorities have raised concerns about the lack of effective controls over illegal mining in the department. They argue that neither local governments nor environmental agencies have adequately addressed the risks associated with unregulated mining. These failures have contributed to the recurring tragedies that plague the region. The mayor of Policarpa, Eduar Rojas López, was asked whether the mine should have been closed despite its role in providing employment. While the response was not fully detailed, the broader context suggests that the community's reliance on such activities complicates regulatory enforcement. Nonetheless, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger governance and oversight mechanisms to prevent future disasters. With the investigation ongoing, the focus remains on understanding the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determining how such incidents can be prevented in the future. The tragedy has once again brought attention to the dangers posed by illegal mining and the critical importance of implementing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to protect workers and the environment.