TRUJILLO, Peru, May 7 (Reuters) - Peruvian mining sector worker Frank Monzón was aware of the risks, but the lure of gold deep in the Andean rock of northern Pataz province outweighed the danger.

Violence has continued in Pataz even after a state of emergency was declared more than a year ago. While Peru is best known for its massive copper mines, it’s also a significant gold producer.

Mining company La Poderosa, which owns the mine where the murders took place, claimed earlier this month that nearly 40 people, including contractors and miners, have been recently killed in the ...

The massacre of 13 mine workers highlights how Peru’s mining gangs have developed into criminal behemoths. The bodies of the 13 security workers were discovered at a mine in Pataz, in the northwestern ...

The National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE) estimates that it generates annual losses to Peru of around 7 billion dollars or 6.2 billion dollars.

Illegal mining, primarily of gold, has surpassed even drug trafficking in terms of value, hitting some $3-4 billion each year, according to Peru's government.

Mining Murders Show Peru’s Struggles With Illegal Gold Rush A gold miner displays a piece of gold along the Madre de Dios River near Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Photographer: Mario Tama/Getty Images ...

Violence has continued in Pataz even after a state of emergency was declared more than a year ago. While Peru is best known for its massive copper mines, it’s also a significant gold producer.