Costa Rican President Downplays Explosion During Illegal Mining Site Visit

Costa Rican President Laura Fernández was evacuated from an illegal mining zone in Las Crucitas after an explosion echoed in the distance. The president, however, downplayed fears of an assassination attempt, suggesting the sound originated from illegal miners using explosives in their operations.

Fernández described the incident, which occurred during a field tour to assess environmental damage from illegal gold mining, as a common occurrence in the area. "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," she stated during a press conference.

Security teams explained to the president that the explosions are typical of the methods used by illegal miners to extract material. The president herself initially likened the sound to a "firecracker" amplified by the forest. Her security detail ensured she was unharmed as per protocol.

Meanwhile, Security Minister Gerald Campos confirmed an investigation is underway, with police sweeping the area to ascertain the cause of the explosion. No injuries were reported, though one legislator present experienced a panic attack. The government is actively promoting a bill in Congress to legitimize gold mining in Las Crucitas, aiming to combat illegal operations and mitigate the severe environmental impact, including mercury and cyanide contamination, that has plagued the region since artisanal miners took over the area previously slated for a large-scale open-pit mine.