Illegal gold mining is rampant on Nicaragua-Costa Rica border, fueled by China's voracious appetite

"Rampant illegal gold mining is spreading across more than 3,000 hectares along Costa Rica's northern border, while local authorities declare themselves powerless in the face of mineral theft, deforestation, and the power of criminal networks that exploit the presence of Chinese companies in Nicaragua willing to buy the illicit ore."

"The key factor is the role of companies that buy gold on Nicaraguan soil, especially Chinese mining companies that have obtained concessions from the Nicaraguan government in recent years, as Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves has mentioned in recent meetings with U.S. officials."

"Reports from the beginning of 2026 reveal an even worse reality: illegal mining is growing uncontrollably around the original project and is consolidating itself as a criminal industry in a kind of tropical Wild West of outlaws, deaths, cyanide pits, and an insatiable thirst for gold, topped with geopolitical overtones that further complicate any solution."

Illegal gold mining has proliferated across more than 3,000 hectares along Costa Rica's northern border, with local authorities unable to combat the operation. Criminal networks exploit Chinese mining companies in Nicaragua that purchase illicit ore, generating an estimated $250 million annually. The crisis originated from a 20-year-old government concession to a Canadian company at the Crucitas estate. Insufficient police presence and geopolitical complications involving Nicaragua prevent effective intervention. The region has transformed into a lawless area characterized by deforestation, environmental damage, deaths, and cyanide contamination. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has raised concerns with U.S. officials about Chinese company involvement in facilitating the illegal trade.

Read at english.elpais.com