Explosion Heard During Costa Rican President's Tour of Illegal Mining Site; She is Evacuated

Costa Rican President Laura Fernández was quickly evacuated from a field tour on Friday after an explosion echoed through the area of Las Crucitas. The president was in the northern region to inspect the environmental devastation caused by illegal gold mining operations.

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I'm fine, they checked me because it's protocol. Nobody worry more than necessary. We are all fine.

Fernández, who was unharmed and followed protocol, described the sound as similar to a "firecracker" amplified by the forest. Her security detail promptly moved her to a vehicle and removed her from the site. The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Ministry of Security, with police conducting sweeps of the area to determine the source and nature of the blast. No injuries were reported, though at least one accompanying legislator experienced a panic attack.

"If they dared to detonate today, imagine what an ordinary day is like for the police and the community," Fernández stated, highlighting the perceived dangers faced by law enforcement and locals in the region. The government is currently advocating for a bill in Congress to legitimize gold mining in Las Crucitas, an area overrun by illegal miners employing polluting techniques. The president emphasized the significant monthly investment in security, totaling $1.3 million, but deemed it insufficient given the scale of the problem, with 150 police officers patrolling 800 hectares.

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If they dared to detonate today, imagine what an ordinary day is like for the police and the community.

Fernández expressed deep concern and sorrow over the environmental destruction. She urged lawmakers to approve the mining bill, arguing it would allow a regulated company to operate, thereby mitigating the environmental damage and reducing the need for extensive police presence. The area was previously slated for an open-pit mine by Canadian company Infinito Gold, but legal battles prevented its development, leaving the site vulnerable to artisanal miners.

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I have always had great respect for the police, but after seeing the conditions in which they work here, I take my hat off.