Four Chilean nationals were arrested on April 2, accused of illegally extracting gold in the province of San Juan at an altitude of 3,550 meters in the Andes Mountains.
The incident is significant as it highlights ongoing concerns about cross-border illegal mining activities and resource protection in remote areas. Authorities say such actions can have environmental and legal consequences for both countries involved.
Members of the National Gendarmerie’s Squadron 25 “Jáchal” responded to a tip about foreigners operating in the area. They confirmed that the individuals had entered Argentina through an unauthorized border crossing, according to local media reports. Upon arrival, officers apprehended the suspects and carried out their arrests while seizing a firearm, shovels, pickaxes, and stolen minerals.
Officials also confiscated a .22 caliber carbine rifle, raw gold, fourteen bags containing extracted rocks, and other mining equipment during the operation. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office of San Juan authorized the procedure and ordered arrests on charges including attempted smuggling of gold for export, illegal entry into Argentina, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case draws attention to broader issues related to border security and illicit mineral extraction practices along international boundaries.
