Authorities Recover Empty Peñasquito Containers in Durango

The nine containers stolen from Newmont’s Peñasquito mine on Oct. 31, 2024, were found in Cuencame, Durango. While authorities recovered the containers, the mineral concentrate and those responsible for the theft remain unaccounted for.

The National Guard confirmed that the containers, used to transport mineral concentrate, were found empty. Newmont Peñasquito reported that while the containers, owned by contractors, have been recovered, the 240t of unprocessed mineral concentrate worth an estimated US$3 million remain missing. 

Zacatecas Governor David Monreal stated that the investigation is being led by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) with support from the state government. Additionally, Zacatecas’ Secretary General Rodrigo Reyes, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of investments in the region.

Authorities indicate that the investigation now focuses on smelters capable of processing the stolen materials, of which there are few in Mexico.

Newmont Peñasquito expressed gratitude for the swift intervention and collaboration of local and federal authorities in locating the containers, adding that it continues to work with law enforcement to recover the missing minerals and identify those responsible.

What Happened at Peñasquito? 

On Oct. 31, 2024, a convoy of six mining trucks transporting precious metal concentrates from the Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas was ambushed by organized criminals, resulting in the theft of at least 240t of gold-silver-lead-zinc concentrate. Two security guards and six drivers were overpowered during the attack. The Army, the FGR, the National Guard, and the state public security department responded and recovered part of the stolen material. Newmont Peñasquito said that all affected personnel were safe.

When asked about the robbery, President Claudia Sheinbaum referred questions to the security cabinet, but no official statement has been made by the time of writing this article. According to Sheinbaum, Monreal’s security strategy, which aligns with the federal government’s approach, has contributed to a decrease in the state’s homicide rate. 

Nonetheless, insecurity remains a significant issue for companies and inhabitants of Zacatecas. In September 2024, 87.9% of Fresnillo residents reported feeling unsafe, ranking it among the cities with the highest insecurity levels. Zacatecas City also had a high insecurity perception, with 78.5% of residents feeling unsafe, according to INEGI’s National Survey on Urban Public Security (ENSU).