Feb 10 • 16:00 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico Milenio (ES)

Illegal Mining: the Lucrative Business that Cartels Have Sought to Exploit in Mexico

The search for ten missing workers from Canadian miner Vizsla Silver Corp in Sinaloa has ended tragically with the discovery of their bodies after a prolonged search and investigation into the involvement of local cartels in illegal mining activities.

In a clandestine grave located in El Verde, Concordia, Sinaloa, the hope of finding ten workers from the Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver Corp alive has faded. They had been reported missing for over 17 days. The Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) has identified five of the ten bodies that were discovered during a painstaking search. This situation underscores the dangers faced by workers in areas affected by organized crime and illegal mining activities, which have been increasingly pervasive in Mexico.

The workers disappeared while heading to work at the mining deposits, prompting both a report for their disappearance and subsequent federal investigations. These investigations, conducted alongside search collectives, yielded results on February 6th, when their remains were discovered. The FGR has stated that the case is still under investigation, and further inquiries will seek to clarify the motives behind their disappearance.

The municipality of Concordia, in the state of Sinaloa, has been significantly impacted by the rise of illegal mining, which is often linked with local drug cartels. This incident highlights the increasing dangers and complexities laborers face in regions where organized crime intertwines with legitimate industries. As authorities continue their investigations, it raises concerns over the safety of workers and the need for stricter regulations within the mining sector.

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