Costa Rican president dismisses assassination attempt fears after explosion at illegal mine site

Costa Rican President Laura Fernández has dismissed fears of an assassination attempt following an incident during a field visit to an illegal mining zone. While on a tour of the Las Crucitas area, known for illegal gold mining, an explosion was heard in the distance, prompting her security detail to evacuate her.

“

I don't think that was any attempt at an attack. It seems to me, and my security teams explained to me, it was a detonation deep in the woods by the coligalleros (illegal miners) who use explosives for their work.

Fernández, however, stated that she did not believe it was an assassination attempt. She explained that her security teams suggested it was likely a detonation by illegal miners, known locally as 'coligalleros,' who use explosives for their work. "What we heard is what is heard here every day: explosions, detonations, bursts of gunfire to scare the police and repel them," she said, describing the scene as "our daily bread."

The president assured the public that she was unharmed and had undergone a standard safety check. She likened the sound to a "firecracker" amplified by the forest. The Minister of Security, Gerald Campos, confirmed an investigation is underway, with police sweeping the area to determine the cause. One accompanying deputy reportedly suffered a panic attack.

“

What we heard is what is heard here every day: explosions, detonations, bursts of gunfire to scare the police and repel them. What we saw is our daily bread here. Lamentable.

The incident occurred as the government is promoting a bill in Congress to resume gold mining in Las Crucitas. This area, near the Nicaraguan border, has been overrun by illegal miners. The president urged lawmakers to approve the bill, which would allow a company to exploit the gold, aiming to mitigate the environmental damage caused by illegal operations and organized crime. A previous attempt by Canadian company Infinito Gold to establish an open-pit mine was halted by legal battles, after which artisanal miners took over, using polluting techniques.

“

I'm fine, they already checked me because it's protocol. No one should worry more than necessary. We are all fine.