Canadian Mining Company Reports 10 Employees Abducted in Sinaloa, Mexico
A Vancouver-based mining company, Vizsla Silver, has reported that ten of its employees were abducted in Sinaloa, Mexico. The incident occurred at a project site located in the city of Concordia, which has been affected by cartel violence since 2024.
Details of the Abduction
According to a statement released by Vizsla Silver, the company is currently engaged in developing the Panuco mining project. It confirmed that “ten individuals have been taken” and noted that the situation is under investigation, with information still limited. In response, the company has activated its crisis management and security teams and has also suspended some operations at the site.
Investigation and Local Response
- The local attorney general’s office has opened an investigation into the kidnapping.
- A report about the employees’ disappearance was received on January 24, following a 911 call.
- State and federal authorities, including military personnel, are collaborating to launch search operations.
- On January 23, armed men reportedly took the employees from a rented home in Concordia.
Initial local media reports indicate that most of the abducted individuals are Mexican nationals. The investigation aims to find the missing employees and understand the circumstances surrounding their abduction.
Context of Violence in Sinaloa
The abduction is occurring amidst an ongoing civil conflict involving the Sinaloa cartel, a notorious organized crime group. This conflict has resulted in significant violence, leading to thousands of deaths and disappearances throughout the state.
As the situation develops, Vizsla Silver is cooperating with authorities and has reached out to various stakeholders for further information. El-Balad will continue to monitor this situation closely.
