President Laura Fernández-Delgado was evacuated Friday during a working visit to the Crucitas District, in the northern region, after an alleged explosion was heard near the operations base where she and other government officials were gathered.

According to information released by the Presidential House, Fernández had just begun a tour of the Crucitas area, located in the Crucitas area of San Carlos Canton, Alajuela Province. She was accompanied by lawmakers from multiple political parties, cabinet ministers, other senior government officials and representatives of the local municipal government.

The purpose of the visit was to allow members of Congress to observe firsthand the area's dangerous conditions, environmental degradation, increasing criminal activity, environmental offenses and the risks facing local communities as a result of illegal gold mining.

Only minutes after the delegation departed from a base established by officers of the Ministry of Public Security and headed toward the area where illegal gold extraction is most prevalent, the sound of what authorities described as a possible explosive device prompted the immediate evacuation of the president and the rest of the delegation.

In a press conference released through the Presidential House's social media channels shortly after the incident, Fernández urged lawmakers to approve legislation aimed at legalizing mining activities and increasing police presence in the Crucitas area.

"Nearly two years ago, during the administration of former President Rodrigo Chaves, a bill was introduced that we thoroughly analyzed with all political parties, community representatives and subject-matter experts," Fernández said. "Unfortunately, almost two years after a solution to this problem was presented, the communities of Cutris and Pocosol are still waiting for congressional approval."

Fernández said the situation in Crucitas has evolved beyond an environmental crisis.

"This is no longer just an environmental disaster caused by the devastating destruction of nature and water contamination," she said. "Crucitas has become a hub for organized crime. What we have there now are criminal networks that pose a serious national security threat to all of Costa Rica."

Following the evacuation, Public Security Minister Gerald Campos said operational personnel had brought the situation under control and that no injuries were reported.

A large security operation remained in place throughout the area, involving police officers, members of the Special Intervention Unit (UEI), the Penitentiary Police and officers from the Air Surveillance Service.

Authorities are expected to release additional information as investigators work to determine the cause of the reported explosion.

Last year, Costa Rica continued demolition operations in the Crucitas district, using controlled explosives to destroy tunnels and structures used for illegal gold extraction.

Illegal gold mining in the Crucitas area began around 2010 after Congress banned open-pit mining. The ban came shortly after the annulment of a mining agreement between Costa Rica and Canadian company Infinito Gold.

The contract, awarded in 2008 under former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias Sánchez, would have allowed gold mining across more than 260 hectares in Crucitas, including more than 190 hectares of primary forest that would have been cleared for the project.

The proposal generated widespread controversy because of its potential impact on protected forest areas. Following sustained opposition from environmental groups and political leaders, Costa Rican courts voided the Infinito Gold agreement in 2010, citing environmental concerns and irregularities in the permitting process.

In 2014, an international tribunal ruled in favor of Costa Rica in a $395 million dispute with Infinito Gold over the cancellation of the project.

Despite the legal rulings, illegal miners have continued extracting gold from the Crucitas region since the dispute began in 2010.

Police continue to urge residents to report any suspicious illegal mining activity by calling 911.

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How can Costa Rica benefit economically from its gold resources while protecting the environment and preserving its natural ecosystems?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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