Landslide at illegal gold mine in southwestern Colombia kills 14

A landslide at an illegal gold mine in Narino department, in southwestern Colombia, has killed 14 people and injured seven, a regional official announced on Monday. The incident has again drawn attention to illegal mining in the country, where gold extraction is affected by the presence of armed groups.

Alex Gonzalez, the Narino department's secretary for peace and security, told broadcaster Caracol that the landslide occurred in a remote area controlled by armed groups. Initial reports had said 12 to 15 people were missing. Giving the updated toll, Gonzalez said the search for possible survivors had been completed.

Rescuers faced difficult access

The governor's office said rescue teams struggled to reach the site because of the difficult terrain and the presence of criminal groups in the area.

No other sources of income

A source in the governor's office said communities have no economic alternatives to these extremely risky activities. According to the source, traditional small-scale mining has all but disappeared.

Narino department, which lies near the border with Ecuador, is a hotspot for illegal mining. Armed groups there control the illegal gold trade and are also involved in drug trafficking and extortion.