Panamanian environmental agents arrested two individuals for illegal gold mining inside the El Montoso Forest Reserve this week. The operation, conducted by the National System of Protected Areas and the Environmental Police, occurred during a routine patrol of the Tebario River within the critical protected area.
Authorities caught the man and woman in the act, discovering their mining tools at the scene. Officials confiscated three wooden mineral washing pans, three shovels, two iron bars, and three plastic containers holding suspected mined material. Both suspects face legal processing by the Public Ministry.
Irreversible Ecological Damage from Toxic Methods
The Ministry of Environment emphasized the severe and lasting damage caused by such illegal operations. A ministry statement warned that uncontrolled use of toxic substances poses the gravest threat to these ecosystems.
“The most critical negative impact of illegal mining is the irreversible contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through the uncontrolled use of toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, which represents a serious public health risk,” [Translated from Spanish] the ministry stated.
These chemicals, fundamental to informal gold extraction, create widespread devastation. Mercury (element) can cause permanent neurological damage in humans who consume contaminated water or fish. Cyanide blocks cellular respiration, leading to immediate wildlife mortality and posing lethal risks to people in high concentrations.
This incident highlights the ongoing pressure on Panama’s Protected area network. The El Montoso Forest Reserve is legally safeguarded by Panama’s General Environment Law of 1998 and the Unified Text of the Forestry Law.
National Patrols Intensify to Protect Biodiversity
In response to this and other violations, authorities pledged to maintain constant vigilance. The ministry confirmed that permanent national patrols would continue in collaboration with security forces.
These patrols aim to safeguard the integrity of protected zones and their unique biodiversity. The El Montoso reserve, located in Herrera province, hosts fragile and vital ecosystems essential for regional ecological balance.
Every illegal intervention leaves a scar on the landscape. Recovery can take decades, if it happens at all. The ministry urges citizens to report environmental crimes, especially those affecting water sources, by calling line 311 or using official social media channels.
This enforcement action underscores a broader national effort to defend natural resources. Protecting these zones remains a top priority for Panama’s environmental strategy, as seen in recent updates to other protected areas.